Product Developer

Vita Coco; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Product Developer to join their R&D team. This role offers the opportunity to innovate and create new food products from concept to commercialization, ensuring they meet quality and consumer expectations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct experiments, and stay updated on industry trends. If you are enthusiastic about food science and product innovation, this is the perfect chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment dedicated to sustainability and community upliftment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in Corporate R&D.
• Familiarity with food processing and sensory analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing new food products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and basic analytical testing.

Skills

Food Science

Product Innovation

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science

Culinary Science

Tools

Laboratory Techniques

Food Testing Protocols

Job description

The Vita Coco Company, created in 2004 by Co-CEO Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, produces the leading brand of coconut water in the United States with a growing presence around the world. The Vita Coco Company’s brands include the leading coconut water, Vita Coco; premium canned water, Ever & Ever; and protein-infused water, PWR LIFT.

In 2021, The Vita Coco Company became a publicly traded, Public Benefit Corporation. With a growing portfolio of natural products, The Vita Coco Company has identified its public benefit purpose as creating ethical, sustainable products that uplift communities and do right by our planet by harnessing and protecting nature’s resources.

In 2022, The Vita Coco Company was certified as a B Corporation furthering the Company’s commitment toward operating its business as a force for good, while delivering better-for-you products.

Vita Coco is headquartered in New York City with international offices in London and Singapore. The Company is Nasdaq-listed under ticker symbol COCO.

Position Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Product Developer to join our R&D team. In this role, you will support the development of new food products from concept to commercialization, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and consumer expectations. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about food science, product innovation, and hands-on development in the food industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of new food and beverage products from concept to commercialization, supporting product ideation, formulation, and refinement.
• Conduct bench-top experiments to create product prototypes and make iterative adjustments based on sensory feedback and technical performance.
• Perform sensory evaluations (e.g., triangle tests, preference rankings) and basic analytical testing (e.g., pH, Brix, viscosity) to support product optimization and quality.
• Research and source new ingredients, liaise with suppliers to obtain technical specifications and samples, and evaluate ingredient functionality and compatibility.
• Support the scale-up process by preparing documentation, participating in pilot plant trials, and assisting with troubleshooting during production runs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, QA, Regulatory, and Operations to ensure alignment on product specifications, brand positioning, and compliance.
• Assist in creating and maintaining technical documentation such as formulation sheets, process instructions, nutritional panels, and regulatory records.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment while adhering to food safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and sanitation procedures.
• Contribute to team innovation by staying up to date on industry trends, new ingredients, and emerging technologies, and participating in team brainstorming sessions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, or a related field.
• At least 3- 5 years of relevant concept to launch experience in a Corporate R&D setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory work, including basic lab techniques, food testing, and safety protocols.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Basic knowledge of food processing, ingredient functionality, and sensory analysis is a plus.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

At The Vita Coco Company, compensation decisions are dependent upon a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to: skill set, experience, education, training, licensure and certifications, knowledge and abilities of the applicant, alignment with market data, and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current pay range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. This range may vary for positions that will be performed outside of California, Colorado, Nevada, New York City, Westchester County, NY, Rhode Island, or Washington.

The Vita Coco Company is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.