Product Development Scientist — Food Innovation & Launch

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Product Development Scientist in the United States to lead the end-to-end development of new products from concept to launch, translating consumer insights into scalable food items while maintaining quality and safety.

You will collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams, design prototypes from benchtop to pilot plant, and contribute to maintaining the existing portfolio with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
• 1–2 years industry experience.
• Advanced degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
• Food product development or culinary industry experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food science fundamentals and application to the product development process.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new prototypes that translate consumer insight into product attributes from benchtop through full scale production.
• Collaborates with R&D sub functions and cross functional team members to move ideas through the new product launch process.
• Ensures product quality and food safety requirements are defined and delivered through the completion of raw material, finished product and quality specifications.
• Provides proper documentation (notebooks, written reports) and ensures knowledge management for all projects and protection of intellectual property.
• Keeps current with new developments in the field of food science and technology through competitive product knowledge, trend spotting and supplier collaborations.
• Hands‑on experience to become proficient in the pilot plant unit operations and skills required to make all components of finished products and build expertise to apply during scale up.
• Follows Mars Quality Management Program requirements for the Design and Development of New Products.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Multitasking/priority management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field

Advanced degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Mars is seeking a Product Development Scientist in the United States to lead the end-to-end development of new products from concept to launch, translating consumer insights into scalable food items while maintaining quality and safety.

You will collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams, design prototypes from benchtop to pilot plant, and contribute to maintaining the existing portfolio with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.