Principal Scientist, Breakthrough Innovation

Ocean Spray; Lakeville (MN); On-site; USD 96,200 - 132,220; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complete insurance package

401(k) with company matching

Flexible scheduling options

Career development opportunities

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Ocean Spray in Lakeville is looking for a Principal Product Development Scientist focused on breakthrough innovation. This role involves developing transformative new ingredient products and collaborating with both internal and external partners in R&D to expand the company’s product portfolio.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field, with significant product development experience and a strong understanding of food science and manufacturing processes. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and requires an on-site presence due to laboratory work.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of product development experience, particularly in supplements or nutraceuticals.
• Experience with FDA, USDA regulations.
• Familiarity with PLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Ideate, design, and commercialize innovative products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product development.
• Manage technical timelines and multiple projects.

Skills

Food Science knowledge

Creative problem-solving

Leadership skills

Adaptability

Understanding of food manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or Engineering

Advanced Degree (Master's or PhD)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data analysis tools

Job description

Job Overview

Principal Product Development Scientist – Breakthrough Innovation at OceanSpray will develop transformative new ingredient products to support long‑term business objectives and expand the company’s product portfolio beyond current core categories. The role resides in R&D and collaborates with cross‑functional and external partners to conceptualize, formulate and commercialize new products. Extensive laboratory and pilot‑plant work requires an on‑site presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Ideate, design, develop and commercialize innovative new products that expand the company’s portfolio beyond core categories.
• Apply leading‑edge science to unlock innovation in new verticals.
• Collaborate closely with the Emerging Science group to bring advanced technologies and ingredients to life in commercial products.
• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to a research technician, including assigning tasks, overseeing experimental execution, and supporting professional development.
• Perform benchtop prototyping and pilot‑scale tests.
• Comfort with ambiguity and fuzzy upfront blue‑sky ideation.
• Execute agile product and/or ingredient design with the target consumer/customer at the center.
• Conduct competitive and feasibility assessments.
• Design ingredients and formula applications to ensure commercialized end products are reproducible and robust enough to meet customer expectations, quality, cost, and manufacturing requirements.
• Effectively manage technical timelines and multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Develop technical timelines and collaborate on learning plans with cross‑functional partners.
• Deliver technical milestones within a stage‑gate framework.
• Perform costing exercises at multiple stages throughout the product development cycle.
• Present ideas and recommendations to senior management.
• Identify budget and cross‑functional resource needs.
• Identify and share portfolio‑building ideas and contribute to ideation sessions.
• Travel as needed for ideation sessions, trend treks, relevant trade shows, partner collaborations to commercialize new products at a manufacturing plant (15%).

Qualifications

• Food Science or Food/Chemical Engineering foundation or strong technical acumen.
• Ability to apply scientific principles to research and creative problem‑solving.
• Creative and strategic mindset.
• Courage to communicate directly and assume a leadership role.
• Willingness to influence broadly and defend ideas.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity.
• High‑motivated self‑starter, eager to challenge the status‑quo and advocate for ideas with conviction.
• Fearless pursuit of big ideas.
• Adaptability.
• Expert understanding of food science, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Advanced degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or Chemical Engineering; PhD is a plus.
• 5–10 years of product development experience, with a background in supplements, pet food and/or nutraceuticals.
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, or other relevant regulatory bodies and standards.
• Experience with PLM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis tools.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or University Degree (Required). Master’s Degree (Preferred). At least 7 years of experience.

On‑site Requirement

This role is on‑site due to significant laboratory and pilot‑plant work.

Salary

Annual salary range: $96,200 – $132,220. The base salary range information above serves as a guideline of the position’s typical hiring range and the company will consider a variety of factors when determining an offer.

Benefits

• Complete insurance package on Day1, including health and wellness programs.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings account.
• Flexible spending account.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Telehealth services.
• One‑on‑one health coaching.
• Supportive benefits for all life stages.
• 401(k) with up to 6% company matching; additional discretionary match at year‑end.
• Short‑term incentive/performance bonuses.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Vacation pay up to three weeks (pro‑rated for first year).
• Holiday pay for 12 holidays.
• Career development and growth opportunities.
• Tuition/education assistance programs.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Scholarship programs for employees’ children.
• Parental leave.
• Bright Horizons family solutions – back‑up care, tutoring, etc.
• Adoption assistance.
• Bereavement leave.
• Up to $300 fitness reimbursement.
• Up to $300 massage reimbursement.
• Employee appreciation events.
• Employee discounts.
• Charitable giving.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Massachusetts Applicant Notice

For MA applicants, it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Any employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.