Principal Food Scientist

CJ Schwan’s; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 107,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking a senior food product developer to lead the creation, improvement, and optimization of products, ingredients, and processes. You will guide cross-functional teams through pilot and plant trials, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, flavor and texture development, and collaboration with suppliers to drive innovation and cost efficiency across frozen foods.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of food product development experience required.
• Strong knowledge of frozen food product development, including trend, regulatory, formulation, scale-up, manufacturing, bench-top testing and plant trials.
• Ability to analyze data, solve complex technical problems, and implement practical solutions.
• Willingness to taste and evaluate food products throughout development.
• Curiosity and innovation mindset; collaborate across functions.
• Experience with SAP PLM and Microsoft applications is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply food science expertise to develop, improve, and optimize products, ingredients, processes, packaging, and preservation methods while ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and solutions for ingredient, formulation, processing, and production challenges to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop and validate new product formulations, processing methods, and specifications to support innovation and commercialization.
• Plan and execute pilot and plant trials, analyze results, and establish scalable processes and specifications for production.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement product launches and changes across ingredients, formulas, processes, or specifications.
• Evaluate ingredients, suppliers, and processing technologies to improve product performance and drive cost optimization.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, specifications, and project updates; communicate progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Generate and advance new product concepts through research and collaboration to support growth.

Skills

Data analysis

Taste testing

Innovation mindset

Frozen food development

SAP PLM

Microsoft apps

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science/related field

Tools

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Please note that we are not able to sponsor visas at this time.

What You Will Do:

• Apply food science expertise to develop, improve, and optimize products, ingredients, processes, packaging, and preservation methods while ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and solutions for ingredient, formulation, processing, and production challenges to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop and validate new product formulations, processing methods, and specifications to support innovation, renovation, and commercialization initiatives.
• Plan and execute pilot and plant trials, analyze results, and establish scalable processes and specifications for production.
• Lead cross-functional teams to successfully implement product launches and ingredient, formula, process, or specification changes.
• Evaluate ingredients, suppliers, and processing technologies to improve product performance, optimize costs, and drive continuous improvement.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, specifications, and project updates, ensuring clear communication of progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Generate and advance new product concepts through research, experimentation, and collaboration to support innovation and business growth.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Cereal Science, Dairy Science, Nutrition, Biological Sciences, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and product development experience.
• 8+ years of food product development experience, with expertise in food ingredients, chemistry, processing, and functionality.
• Strong knowledge of frozen food product development, including trend, regulatory, formulation, scale-up, manufacturing, bench‑top testing, and plant trials.
• Proven ability to analyze data, solve complex technical problems, and implement practical solutions.
• Willingness and ability to taste and evaluate food products throughout the development process.
• Demonstrated curiosity, an innovation mindset, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges while collaborating effectively across functions.
• Experience with SAP PLM and Microsoft app is preferred.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well‑being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].