Product Development Scientist

Fresca Foods Inc.; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Short term disability insurance

Annual bonus potential

Job summary

Fresca Foods Inc. in Louisville, CO, is seeking a Product Development/R&D Scientist I to help bring new products from concept to launch and to help develop the Fresca Foods Lab.

You will work with the R&D team on product formulas, process improvements, and lab operations, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in food manufacturing or related field.
• Experience with product formula/recipe development.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Comfortable working around allergens and in GMP environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in product development and innovation initiatives.
• Serve as client-facing technical resource.
• Support post-launch optimization with customers.
• Coordinate trial planning and cross-functional projects.
• Ensure GMP compliance and maintain a clean, organized lab.

Skills

Product formulation

Flavor profiling

Cross-functional teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Food science degree

Job description

Who are we? Fresca Foods, located in Louisville just outside Boulder, Colorado, is a dynamic force in the natural foods industry where innovation fuels progress and creative ideas transform into future food lifestyles. For over two decades, we have partnered with global CPG companies and visionary entrepreneurs as both a natural foods manufacturing partner and a vertically integrated operator of natural food brands—working together to redefine traditional food categories and revolutionize the food system with a strong focus on safety and excellence. Combining the high-energy spirit of a startup with the stability and opportunity of a larger organization, Fresca Foods is committed to integrity, producing high-quality, sustainable food that promotes joy, well-being, and environmental stewardship. As a leading Boulder County employer and recipient of industry recognition, we are equally dedicated to community service and to creating abundant opportunities for motivated individuals who share our passion for great food and for shaping the future of our company.

There’s never been a more exciting time to join Fresca Foods! We’re continuing to grow in a big way, including the launch of a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with advanced automation and high-speed production technology. As we expand, we’re creating new opportunities across the company for people who are excited to learn, grow, make an impact, and help shape what’s next. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, innovative environment where your work truly matters, we’d love to have you on the journey with us.

Position Overview

The Product Development/R&D Scientist I works with the Research, Development and Innovation team to help grow Fresca Foods into a world class organization.They will lead in bringing new products from concept to launch.This role will also help develop the Fresca Foods Lab.

Essential Functions

• Assists in special product development and innovation initiatives.
• Serves as a client facing technical resources.
• Assists with customers post launch with continuous improvement needs.
• Works with the Food Technologist in ensuring lab has all necessary equipment needs.
• Assists with commercialization activities including:
• Trial planning
• Cross-functional project coordination
• Keeps lab clean and organized. Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
• Responsible for maintaining a food safe work environment.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Required: 2-3 years’ experience in food manufacturing or relevant experience
• Experience with product formula/recipe development
• Must have a refined palate and can understand flavors and textures.
• Basic knowledge of HACCP and allergen management
• Experience with food manufacturing equipment and processes a plus
• Must be able to multi-task.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Experience in costing out formulations!
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally with multiple teams.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food science, Nutrition, Culinary or relevant degree.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time (12 hours per day)
• Able to lift to 50 lbs.
• Able to work in both hot/warm conditions.
• Comfortable with a moderate noise level
• Able to work in an environment with peanuts, tree nuts, and all major allergens.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000/year, DOE
• Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, pet insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, life insurance and short term disability insurance, annual bonus potential

At Fresca, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Fresca Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to equal consideration regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. In addition, Fresca Foods is committed to equal pay for equal work. The pay range indicated in this job posting represents the low and high end of the hiring range for this job. Although actual pay may vary and may be above or below this range, generally speaking, offers will typically be made in the bottom half of the listed range. The amount offered will take into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment.