New Product Development Analyst

Del Monte Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Life & disability insurance

FSA

PTO

7 holidays

Telemedicine & EAP

Voluntary benefits

First-of-month eligibility

Job summary

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is seeking a Food Science Analyst to join the New Product Development team. The role supports formulation, testing, and commercialization of innovative food and fresh-cut fruit products. A strong background in food science, product development, and QA is required.

The analyst will work with QA, production, procurement, marketing, and food safety teams to ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements, driving quality and consumer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of food processing, ingredient functionality, and packaging technologies.
• Experience with food testing methodologies (microbiological, chemical, physical).

Responsibilities

• NPD product formulation with iterative testing to optimize ingredients for sensorial and shelf-life objectives.
• Conduct sensory and shelf-life testing to assess product quality and microbial stability.
• Research and analyze in-market products and reverse-engineer competitor formulations for innovation.
• Collaborate with production to streamline scale-up processes and improve efficiencies.
• Document results and present findings to internal stakeholders; support consumer testing.

Skills

Food safety awareness

Analytical skills

Project management

Teamwork

Education

BSc in Food Science/related field

Job description

**Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses.***

Benefits We Offer Include:

• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life & disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 7 Company Paid Holidays
• 24/7 Telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program
• Optional voluntary benefits (legal, accident, identity protection)
• Eligibility on the first of the month following your hire date

Purpose of Position

We are seeking a Food Science Analyst to join our New Product Development (NPD) team. This role will support the formulation, testing, and commercialization of innovative food and fresh-cut fruit products. The ideal candidate has a strong background in food science, product development, and quality assurance. They will work cross-functionally with QA, production, procurement, marketing, and food safety teams to ensure new products meet consumer expectations, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Accountabilities:

• NPD product formulation, including iterative testing in a food-safe environment to optimize ingredients for sensorial and shelf-life objectives.
• Conduct sensory and shelf-life testing to assess product quality, flavor retention, and microbial stability.
• Research and analyze in-market products, performing reverse-engineering of competitor formulations to identify innovation opportunities.
• Ensure NPD processing and operational efficiencies, collaborating with production teams to streamline scale-up processes.
• Prepare prototypes and mock-up samples for internal evaluations, consumer testing, and sales presentations.
• Conduct analytical testing (e.g., pH, Brix, organoleptic) to assess product performance and ensure food quality and safety.
• Research and test new ingredients, processing techniques, and preservation methods to enhance product quality and extend shelf life.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to source high-quality raw materials for product development.
• Maintain a food and ingredient inventory for NPD purposes, ensuring materials are available for ongoing trials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure new products align with food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and industry standards.
• Support sensory evaluation panels and consumer testing to optimize product flavor, texture, and appearance.
• Document testing results, prepare reports, and present findings to internal stakeholders
• Proactively brings thoughtful product recommendations to cross-functional teams that drive brand and business results.
• Ability to substantiate recommendations with research, reasoning, and data.
• Ability to work closely with suppliers in developing and improving their processes to achieve commercial viability of products.
• Fosters an innovative, curiosity-inspired, food-forward mindset in the organization.
• 1-3 years of work experience in food/beverage product/process development, quality assurance, or R&D. (fresh produce experience a plus)
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong Knowledge of food processing, ingredient functionality, and packaging technologies.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in food testing methodologies (e.g., microbiological, chemical, and physical testing).
• Familiarity with food science equipment required
• Experience with consumer insights, culinary innovation, and nutrition.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, FDA, USDA, and other food safety regulations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork capabilities.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts-available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values - Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity - we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.