Lead Process Authority & R&D Food Scientist

Furmano Foods; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Referral program

Flexible spending account

Job summary

Furmano Foods in Northumberland, PA is seeking a Process Authority, R&D Food Scientist to lead thermal processing safety, product development, and finished product quality testing. You will supervise lab staff, drive improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety, and coach teams aligned with Furmano’s values.

Responsibilities include developing thermal process systems, validating formulations, supporting shelf-life studies, and collaborating with Quality, Culinary, Marketing, Sales, Supply

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of food R&D experience.
• Experience leading and supporting thermal processing operations.
• Preferred: 5+ years as Process Authority in acidified/low-acid canning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement thermal process systems.
• Assure plant batch and continuous retorts operate in regulatory compliance.
• Develop thermal processes for new/improved products.
• Evaluate heat penetration data and process deviations.
• Prepare regulatory correspondence and reports.
• Support plant audits and regulatory inspections.
• Develop/test formulas for new products, quality improvements, and cost reductions.
• Execute plant trials and validations.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and sensory evaluations.
• Reformulate products for taste, nutrition, or cost.
• Troubleshoot production and quality issues.
• Maintain PLM specifications and nutrition software data.
• Review and approve labels and nutritional claims.
• Maintain accurate formulation and trial documentation.
• Lead finished product testing and grading laboratory staff.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure GMP compliance.
• Support production record review as needed.
• Collaborate with Quality, Culinary, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Team leadership

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

PLM software

Nutrition software

Job description

Furmano Foods in Northumberland, PA is seeking a Process Authority, R&D Food Scientist to lead thermal processing safety, product development, and finished product quality testing. You will supervise lab staff, drive improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety, and coach teams aligned with Furmano’s values.

Responsibilities include developing thermal process systems, validating formulations, supporting shelf-life studies, and collaborating with Quality, Culinary, Marketing, Sales, Supply