Food Scientist I

The Wonderful Company; Lost Hills (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wonderful Company is seeking a Food Scientist to support R&D initiatives from new product development to quality improvements. This on-site role at our California facility emphasizes plant trials, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to bring innovative nut-based products to market.

The ideal candidate will have a BS (MS preferred) in Food Science or related field, 1–2 years in the food industry, and hands-on experience with Excel and basic statistics.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science or related field; MS optional with relevant thesis or internship valued.
• 1–2 years of relevant food industry experience.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and navigate.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willing to work in a production environment with heat, noise, and dust.

Responsibilities

• Apply food science/engineering principles to develop innovative pistachio, almond, and nut-based products.
• Manage technical projects from concept through commercialization.
• Plan/execute bench, pilot, and plant trials; support scale-ups.
• Support evaluation of new roasting, seasoning, and product applications.
• Maintain nutrition, ingredients and labeling information for regulatory alignment.
• Apply sensory methods to assess product quality and generate actionable recommendations.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and evaluate packaging interactions to extend shelf life.
• Document specifications, reports and data archives.
• Ensure safe, compliant operations and cross-functional collaboration for successful commercialization.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science or related field

MS in Food Science or related field

Tools

Excel

Statistics basics

Job description

• Compensation: USD 73,000 - USD 80,000 - yearly

Company Description

Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds is the largest vertically integrated pistachio and almond processor in the world. Located in California's Central Valley, our nuts are Non-GMO Project Verified and sustainably harvested, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Our facilities are equipped with the most advanced processing technology available, allowing us to efficiently sort, grade, process, roast, flavor, and package billions of nuts each year. We are committed to providing the highest-quality nuts to our customers and consumers worldwide.

Job Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Food Scientist supports R&D initiatives ranging from new product development and innovation to product quality improvement, sensory analysis, shelf-life evaluation, and regulatory compliance. This role requires applying strong technical and scientific principles to drive innovation, ensure product excellence, and manage assigned projects from concept through commercialization with guidance from management. This role is based on the production facility and requires regular work in the plant environment to support production trials, scale-ups, and product launches. The position demands comfort with ambiguity, initiative in problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply food science and engineering principles to deliver technical and innovative solutions for pistachio, almond, and nut-based products.
• Manage assigned technical projects with increasing independence, taking initiative to identify challenges, link cross-functional insights, and drive progress amid ambiguity.
• Apply ingredient functionality knowledge to improve existing product quality and develop innovative new products.
• Plan and execute bench, pilot, and plant trials, and support commercial scale-ups to resolve processing challenges.
• Support evaluation of new technologies for roasting, seasoning, and nut-based product applications, driving innovation, solving technical challenges, and keeping pace with industry trends.
• Support regulatory compliance regulatory compliance activities by maintaining accurate nutrition, ingredient, and labeling information for all products and supporting alignment with domestic and international requirements.
• Apply sensory science methodologies to assess product quality, conduct discrimination testing, support descriptive analysis, and generate actionable recommendations.
• Conduct data-driven shelf-life studies; evaluate correlations between organoleptic changes, lipid oxidation, and packaging film properties. Recommend shelf-life extension strategies.
• Maintain detailed project documentation, specifications, reports, and data archives.
• Support and promote a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment.
• Build effective cross-functional relationships and collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure successful commercialization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, including senior management, customers, consumers, suppliers, and co-manufacturers.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• B.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related food discipline (e.g., Chemical or Agricultural Engineering with food industry coursework or experience). Or M.S.in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related food discipline with no industry experience will also be considered; relevant thesis research, pilot plant, or internship work is valued.
• Minimum 1- 2 years of relevant food industry experience (internships and co-ops count).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and navigate.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on, self-driven, and results-oriented with a collaborative and innovative mindset.
• Willing and able to work in a production environment with heat, noise, and dust, and to support plant trials outside standard hours when needed.
• Preferred: working knowledge of GMP and food safety systems; proficiency in Excel and basic statistical analysis.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• None required; HACCP or PCQI certification is a plus.

Pay Range: $73,000 - $80,000

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.