Food Technologist: Product Commercialization & Process Trials

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

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.