Product Development Scientist

Fresca Foods Inc.; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pet 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 Scientist II to drive new product concepts from idea to launch. You will lead the Fresca Foods Lab, partnering with RDI to build a world-class organization and deliver high-quality, scalable products.

You will work with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Manufacturing to commercialize new products, maintain GMPs, and ensure safe, sanitary lab conditions while growing the brand and processes.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in product formulation and recipe development in food manufacturing or R&D.
• 3+ years sourcing ingredients and raw materials.
• Experience evaluating flavors, textures, and overall product quality via sensory evaluation.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Manufacturing, etc. to commercialize new products.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, allergen management, and food safety requirements in manufacturing.
• Experience with costing product formulations preferred.
• Experience with food manufacturing equipment, processes, and scale-up from development to production preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Nutrition or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead special product development and innovation initiatives.
• Support Manufacturing Improvement Team (MIT) projects.
• Manage assigned customer product development projects from concept through launch.
• Provide post-launch customer support through continuous product improvement initiatives.
• Partner with the Food Technologist to ensure the lab is equipped with necessary tools and supplies.
• Develop and lead the continued growth of the Fresca Foods Lab.
• Lead commercialization activities for projects under their direction.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory while following GMPs.
• Ensure a safe, sanitary, and food-safe work environment.

Skills

Product formulation

Recipe development

Sourcing ingredients

Sensory evaluation

Cross-functional collaboration

HACCP and food safety

Allergen management

Project management

Lab supervision

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/related field

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 Scientist II works with the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) team to help grow Fresca Foods and develop the Fresca Foods Lab into a world-class organization. This role leads the development of new products from concept through commercialization and is responsible for developing and leading the Fresca Foods Lab.

Essential Functions

• Lead special product development and innovation initiatives.
• Support Manufacturing Improvement Team (MIT) projects.
• Manage assigned customer product development projects from concept through launch.
• Provide post-launch customer support through continuous product improvement initiatives.
• Partner with the Food Technologist to ensure the lab is equipped with the necessary tools and supplies.
• Develop and lead the continued growth of the Fresca Foods Lab.
• Lead commercialization activities for projects under their direction.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory while following all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Ensure a safe, sanitary, and food-safe work environment.

Experience, Education, Skills & Knowledge

• 4+ years of experience with product formulation and recipe development in a food manufacturing and/or Research and Development capacity.
• 3+ years of experience sourcing ingredients and raw materials.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate flavors, textures, and overall product quality through sensory evaluation.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other departments to commercialize new products.
• Working knowledge of HACCP principles, allergen management, and food safety requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing and costing product formulations preferred.
• Experience with food manufacturing equipment, production processes, and scaling products from development to production is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, or a related field is preferred (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• 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.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time (12 hours per day)
• Able to lift up 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

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.