NPD Associate Scientist – Ice Cream Innovation

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is seeking an entry-level NPD Associate Scientist to participate in new product development and renovations for the ice cream business. You will gain skills in formulation, bench work, pilot plant trials, and regulatory aspects while supporting project teams across Innovation & Renovation, factory support, and quality improvements.

You will work under supervision to develop products, manage documentation, and learn project management, aiming to lead simpler projects in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant food science field.
• 0–2 years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, or product development (internships/co-ops acceptable).
• Exposure to dairy products or frozen desserts is a plus.
• Creative and analytical mindset with strong execution and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist on Innovation & Renovation projects under supervision of seniors/mentors.
• Shadow experienced teammates to learn formulation, bench work, and factory trials.
• Learn project management, material onboarding, recipe management and regulatory compliance.
• Support product/process development activities, including prototyping and trials.
• Contribute to costing analyses, dossiers, and quality specifications.
• Ensure hand-over of manufacturing dossiers to the factory team for industrialization.
• Support first production runs and drive continuous improvement in processes.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food science, Dairy Science, Nutrition, Culinology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is seeking an entry-level NPD Associate Scientist to participate in new product development and renovations for the ice cream business. You will gain skills in formulation, bench work, pilot plant trials, and regulatory aspects while supporting project teams across Innovation & Renovation, factory support, and quality improvements.

You will work under supervision to develop products, manage documentation, and learn project management, aiming to lead simpler projects in