Food Technologist

WK Kellogg Co; Battle Creek (MI); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time

Job summary

WK Kellogg Co in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a Food Technologist to convert innovative food concepts into market-ready products. You will combine food science, technical expertise, and hands‑on problem-solving across R&D and manufacturing to drive process improvements and product commercialization.

You will plan and execute trials, develop formulas, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimize efficiency and cost. Travel may be required as projects advance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
• Experience in food processing, product commercialization, manufacturing scale‑up, or related R&D activities.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills to coordinate resources and timelines.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving abilities with data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support food process technology projects focused on new product commercialization, process improvements, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute manufacturing trials, product startups, and scale‑up activities, ensuring alignment with objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop detailed plant testing plans, coordinate resources, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams for successful execution.
• Partner with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and support product commercialization.
• Develop and maintain production formulas, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation within SAP and related systems.
• Analyze manufacturing performance, process capabilities, and operational costs to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support during plant trials and startups, identifying solutions to improve quality and process performance.
• Lead project meetings, communicate progress and challenges, and provide updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Prepare comprehensive testing and startup reports with results, findings, troubleshooting recommendations, and next steps.
• Evaluate emerging food processing technologies to support innovation and continuous improvement.
• Support cross‑functional project teams by providing technical expertise and coordinating resources.

Skills

Food processing

Product commercialization

Project management

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing process knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related field

PhD in Engineering, Food Science, or related field

Combo: education + 10+ years experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

• Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 120 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

Job Overview

Great ideas are only the beginning. Bringing them to life on a manufacturing line is where the real magic happens! As a Food Technologist at WK Kellogg, you'll help turn innovative food concepts into products ready for consumers to enjoy. Combining food science, technical expertise, and hands‑on problem‑solving, you'll work across R&D and manufacturing teams to bring new products to market, improve existing processes, and drive operational excellence.

• Lead and support food process technology projects focused on new product commercialization, process improvements, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute manufacturing trials, product startups, and scale‑up activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop detailed plant testing plans, coordinate resources, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful execution.
• Partner with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and support product commercialization.
• Develop and maintain production formulas, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation within SAP and related systems.
• Analyze manufacturing performance, process capabilities, and operational costs to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and cost savings.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support during plant trials and startups, identifying solutions to improve product quality and process performance.
• Lead project meetings, communicate progress and challenges, and provide timely updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Prepare comprehensive testing and startup reports, including results, technical findings, troubleshooting recommendations, and next steps.
• Evaluate emerging food processing technologies and industry developments to support innovation and continuous improvement.
• Support cross‑functional project teams by providing technical expertise, coordinating resources, and maintaining strong communication throughout project execution.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; OR a Master’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in Engineering, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline; OR a combination of education and 10+ years of relevant professional experience in food science, engineering, manufacturing, product development, or a related technical field.
• Experience in food processing, product commercialization, manufacturing scale‑up, or related technical research and development activities.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate resources, timelines, and competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, operational efficiency, and cost considerations.

Preferred

• Experience within the food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods industry.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, product startups, and commercialization activities.
• Knowledge of food processing technologies, production equipment, and process optimization.
• Experience with SAP or similar systems for production formulas, project documentation, or cost tracking.
• Experience collaborating with external suppliers, co‑manufacturers, and technical partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional projects and influence technical decisions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Collaborative, hybrid work environment based in Battle Creek, Michigan, with an expectation of working onsite three days per week.
• Combination of office, research and development, and manufacturing environments, including hands‑on involvement in manufacturing trials and product commercialization activities.
• Regular collaboration with cross‑functional teams, manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and external technical partners.
• Travel of up to 50% may be required to support manufacturing trials, product startups, and collaboration with internal and external partners, including potential international travel.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Primarily standard business hours, with a hybrid schedule requiring three days per week onsite.
• Flexibility is required to support manufacturing trials, product startups, travel, and other business needs, including occasional work outside regular hours, alternate shifts, or weekends.

Salary Range: $103,120 – 128,900

Benefits

At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially. Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:

• Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
• Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
• Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
• Employee recognition program

The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions.

Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision‑making.

About Wk Kellogg Co

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit www.wkkellogg.com.

WK Kellogg Co is proud to offer competitive industry benefits (Physical, Financial, Emotional, and Social) that vary depending on region and type of role. Be sure to ask your recruiter for more information!

If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email [e-mail].

Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

WK Kellogg Co Recruitment

THE FINER PRINT

The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applications.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.