Food Scientist

CPS, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

A leading food innovation company in Indianapolis is seeking an entry-level Food Scientist to join their R&D team. This role involves supporting formulation and product development, working closely with senior scientists and cross-functional partners. The ideal candidate will have a BS in Food Science or a related field, strong attention to detail, and a passion for hands-on work. The position offers a competitive salary of $90,000 - $120,000 plus bonuses, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures precisely.
• Hands-on experience with food formulation and processing.
• Ability to work in a lab and pilot plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Support formulation, bench trials, and product development activities.
• Prepare samples for internal evaluation and sensory testing.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Laboratory skills

Education

BS in Food Science

Degree in Chemistry or Biology

Job description

CPS, Inc. is a high-growth food company producing and marketing Better-for-You Cereals and Snacks that deliver uncompromised taste, with low sugar and positive nutrition with protein and fiber. This is an amazing opportunity for a driven, technical and hands‑on packaging development professional to make an immediate impact in a high growth, values‑based company. You’ll be working within an aligned and committed team, playing a key role in shaping the future of the business. You will be entering CPS, Inc. at an exciting time, as we have rebuilt the Leadership team to enable accelerated growth as we embark on an ambition to rapidly scale us into a mainstream national brand over the next few years. Working at CPS, Inc. offers a path to a career high point for your professional growth and development by building a brand that helps consumers eat well and stay healthy. If you’re ready to make your mark by bringing packaging technical excellence to the team and being part of a transformational brand that truly makes a difference, this is the role for you.

About The Role

We are seeking a Food Scientist to join our R&D team onsite in IN. This is an entry‑level to early career role designed for a recent graduate or someone with 3‑6 years of industry experience who is excited to continue to build hands‑on technical skills and take ownership of product development projects.

This role blends hands‑on lab work with increasing responsibility in formulation, scale‑up, and commercialization. You’ll work closely with senior scientists, operations, and cross‑functional partners to support product development activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support formulation, bench trials, and product development activities
• Prepare samples for internal evaluation, sensory testing, and external partners
• Execute lab, pilot, and plant trials; assist with setup, run, and cleanup
• Accurately document formulas, trials results, and observations
• Maintain lab organization and follow food safety and GMP requirements
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams
• Support troubleshooting during scale‑up and production as needed
• Occasional travel to manufacturing or supplier locations as required

Salary

$90,000 - $120,000 + Bonus

Benefits

Benefits available.

Technical Qualifications

• BS in Food Science preferred, will consider chemistry, bio degree if they have the experience.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures precisely.
• Prefer onsite but will consider remote (close to Indianapolis) with heavy travel capability.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a lab / pilot plant environment.

Preferred

• 3‑5 years of experience in R&D and Manufacturing; specifically in the chocolate and/or snacking category
• Hands‑on experience with food formulation, processing, or lab equipment
• Familiarity with basic food safety, GMPs, or pilot plant operations
• Strong organizational and communication skills

What We’re Looking For

• A hands‑on curious learner who wants to be part of a lean, fast‑paced environment
• A team player who values accuracy, follow‑through, and collaboration
• Interest in seeing products move from concept to plant to consumer
• If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Kristine O’Sullivan at [e-mail].