Lead Product Development Scientist, Beverages & Nutrition

CPS Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 155,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS Inc. in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Sr. Product Development Scientist to lead innovative beverage and food projects from concept to commercialization.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, designing products with sensory, texture, color, shelf life, and nutrition in mind, and handling regulatory labeling while ensuring GLP/GMP compliance. Candidates should have a Bachelor in Food Science (Master preferred) with 7+ years in food product development and dairy protein experience;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related disciplines required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of food industry product development experience.
• Experience working with dairy proteins preferred.
• Experience leading product development projects from concept to commercialization.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and drive the opportunity to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working cross functionally and leading project teams.
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills; English proficiency required.
• Excellent mathematical skills and knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office; ability to operate complex software.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and certification bodies (Kosher, Halal, Organic) as applicable.
• Able to multitask, work independently and in a team.
• Enjoys laboratory and pilot plant work.
• Fast learner, flexible and willing to help where needed.

Responsibilities

• Leads product development projects from concept to commercialization.
• Provides leadership in food science and R&D.
• Designs new products based on flavor, texture, color, shelf life, and nutrition.
• Creates nutrition labels and ingredient lists per regulations.
• Develops specifications for finished products with physical, chemical, and sensory properties.
• Develops batching instructions for pilot plant and operations.
• Generates and optimizes formulation costs with vendors.
• Leads pilot and scale-up trials and monitors initial productions.
• Collaborates with Operations to resolve production issues.
• Maintains formulation records (physical and electronic).
• Verifies ingredients in inventory for maturity or stability and safety.
• Ensures GLP and GMP adherence.
• Maintains sanitary conditions and safe work practices.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Organizational skills

Statistics

Microsoft Office

Regulatory knowledge

Multitasking

Lab work

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related disciplines

Master’s degree preferred

Minimum of 7 years of food industry product development experience

Job description

CPS Inc. in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Sr. Product Development Scientist to lead innovative beverage and food projects from concept to commercialization.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, designing products with sensory, texture, color, shelf life, and nutrition in mind, and handling regulatory labeling while ensuring GLP/GMP compliance. Candidates should have a Bachelor in Food Science (Master preferred) with 7+ years in food product development and dairy protein experience;