Food Technologist

E.A. Sween; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative company dedicated to enhancing food quality and safety. As an R&D Food Technologist, you'll play a vital role in product development, collaborating with talented teams to refine recipes and bring new ideas to life. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to operational efficiency projects while ensuring compliance with industry standards. If you're passionate about food science and ready to make an impact in a supportive environment, this role is perfect for you. Embrace a culture that values respect, diversity, and collaboration, and help us continue our legacy of excellence in the food industry.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in R&D or Quality Control in food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Modify and improve existing products and recipes.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams for new product concepts.
• Plan and execute shelf-life studies and sensory tests.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Knowledge of GMPs

Food Safety Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy! We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day. At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

The salary grade range is $57,222.00 - $80,238.00 USD

E.A. Sween is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability

What We’re Seeking

A dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for product development and a drive for innovation in the food industry. The R&D Food Technologist will support operational efficiency projects, assist in production trial runs, and collaborate with R&D project managers to bring creative ideas to life.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Product Development

• Modify and improve existing products and recipes, maintaining accurate documentation.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams to develop and refine new product concepts.
• Document product evaluations and assist in coordinating microbiological testing.
• Plan and execute shelf-life studies, sensory tests, and sample preparations.
• Maintain and organize product development samples in cold storage.
• Prepare and distribute prototypes and samples to sales teams or customers.
• Receive and manage raw material samples, ensuring proper logging and communication.

Leadership and Teamwork

• Demonstrate strong leadership and provide clear project strategies for success.
• Foster collaboration and professional growth within cross-functional teams.
• Offer consistent feedback and support to team members.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for enhancement in customer and employee success.
• Advocate for positive change across the organization.
• Leverage company values and principles to guide decision-making processes.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Nutrition, or a related scientific field.
• 1–3 years of experience in R&D, Quality Control, or food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of GMPs, NLEA, FALCPA, SQF, USDA, and FDA guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Excel, Word.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications (if applicable)

• Prior experience in sensory and preference testing.
• Familiarity with operational efficiency projects in food production.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
• Primarily office-based with frequent use of computer and telephone.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25–40 pounds.
• 25% of work in a chilled production environment (~50°F).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to sample various food products as part of development and evaluation.
• Flexibility for occasional extended hours and travel to production sites.

• How You’ll Find Success at EAS
• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.

Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.

• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.