Food Technologist

The Food Source International, Inc.; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness and engagement activities

Job summary

A leading taste and ingredient company in Exton, Pennsylvania, seeks a Food Technologist responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing seasoning integrations for various food products. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Food Science and have a strong grasp of flavor systems and food processing. Responsibilities include managing formulations, conducting sensory evaluations, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. This role offers a collaborative environment with health benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in product development.
• Proven track record in developing seasoning and flavor blends.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimize seasoning and flavor blends.
• Conduct sensory evaluations to inform formulation decisions.
• Collaborate with suppliers and various departments.

Skills

Knowledge of flavor systems

Culinary creativity

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to multitask

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Tools

Genesis software

Salesforce

Job description

Overview

Department: Research and Development/Innovation

Who We Are

The Food Source International (TFSI) is a taste and ingredient company with a pulse on what’s next in the world of food. Founded in 1997, we prioritize high-quality taste profiles and ingredients to deliver unique solutions to the technical challenges that food processors face.

We are on a mission to vertically drive the future of taste and deliver critical outcomes for our customers through collaboration, artistry, passion, agility, and accountability.

Our passion for improving taste and health in food is at our core. We continue to grow by hiring creative, forward-thinking team members who put customers’ needs first.

Position Summary

The Food Technologist is responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing seasoning and flavor blends for a variety of food products. This role blends culinary creativity with food science to create consistent, high-quality flavor systems that meet product specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This position requires hands-on formulation, ingredient evaluation, and collaboration with R&D, Quality, and Operations. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of flavor systems, raw materials, and food processing, and is passionate about creating consistent, high-quality dry flavor systems that perform at scale.

Essential Functions

The Food Technologist's essential functions include developing, revising, and duplicating seasoning and flavor blends to meet sensory, functional, cost, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include evaluating and selecting raw materials for formulations, conducting sensory evaluations to inform formulation decisions, and ensuring compliance with quality, labeling, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities/Skills/Abilities

• Utilizes independent judgment to develop seasoning and flavor systems for large food manufacturers based on customers’ specified requirements and project parameters
• Knowledge of formulating for Organic, Non-GMO Project, Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Grain Free, and other specific requirement lists of Retail chains
• Understanding of 21 CFR Part 101 Food Labeling
• Understanding of GMP, Food Safety, and allergen management principles.
• Generate ingredient statements and nutritional information for the final formulation using Genesis software
• Prepare and evaluate seasonings in the customer’s final product application
• Prepare seasoning samples and finished products for shipment to customers
• Enter all appropriate data for all projects completed in Salesforce
• Enter formulas and all formula attributes into Genesis
• Export all preliminary specifications and prepare and send shipment communication through email for each project assigned
• Perform analytical testing and taste panels when needed
• Assist Quality in evaluating production retains when needed
• Collaborate with suppliers for samples, pricing, and documentation for raw materials
• Evaluate alternate ingredients as secondary and tertiary supplies to primary ingredients
• Collaborate with various departments and customers during the creation process in person and using Microsoft Teams
• Participating in brainstorming sessions for Innovation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Experience Requirements

• 3 – 5 years of hands-on experience in product development, research and development (R&D).
• Proven track record of developing recipes, duplicating flavor profiles, and improving formulations
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines

Education/Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary or related scientific discipline preferred.

Reports To

Reports To: R&D Project Manager

Supervisory responsibilities

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Backup

Backup: All Food Technologists as required

Physical Requirements

• Work involves standing for most of the workday, greater than 50% of the time. Sitting for computer-related work is required as needed.
• Typing and applying pressure with the fingers and palm required.
• The person in this position needs to move about inside the R&D lab and storage rooms to access ingredients, lab supplies and lab equipment.
• Constantly operates a laboratory scale, tabletop mixers, sieves, computer, calculator, and printer.
• Frequently lifts up to 5 lbs. and occasionally lifts 50 lb. bags
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Work environment/Hours

• Full-time Office hours are typically 8:30-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, with occasional overtime.

Travel

Travel: This position could occasionally require customer visits and travel to industry shows if needed.

What You Will Bring

• Strong attention to detail, creativity, and reliability.
• Ability to follow guidelines, work cross-functionally, and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Prior experience in a related environment is a plus.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

All employees are expected to follow the company's Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory policies as part of our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality products.

This role may require adherence to: - GMP, HACCP, Allergen Control, and SSOP standards - Accurate documentation and traceability practices - Audit or recall support activities as directed

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and engagement activities

Our Core Values

• Trust – Act with integrity and accountability
• Adaptability – Embrace change and continuous improvement
• Support – Collaborate and uplift others
• Teamwork – Work together toward shared success
• Energy – Bring passion and enthusiasm to your work

Why Join Us?

The Food Source International (TFSI)

At TFSI, your ideas matter. You will be part of a collaborative, cross-functional environment where innovation, quality, and customer partnership drive success. We value continuous improvement, open communication, and investing in our people's growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.