Research & Development Scientist

Kinsa Group; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits including dental and

401(k) benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Kinsa Group is seeking a Research & Development Scientist for its Rockford, Illinois area onsite team to bring dairy-based beverages and cheese products from concept to commercialization. You will apply food science to develop safe, high-quality products while collaborating with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities include benchtop sample development, plant-trial formulas, compliance with FDA/USDA, and providing technical support throughout development projects and 24/7 production

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related field; master’s in Dairy Science preferred.
• 3+ years of dairy food/beverage R&D experience with product development and commercialization
• Strong understanding of emulsions, milk/whey proteins, food safety, allergens, flavor evaluation; retort experience desired.
• Ability to operate lab and pilot equipment and work in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products and optimize existing ones; adapt customer formulas and prepare benchtop samples for shipment.
• Set formulas and processes for plant trials and production in collaboration with Operations, Procurement, and Quality for pilot and production testing.
• Create product specs, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels following FDA/USDA requirements.
• Build relationships with customers and Sales by providing technical info and support throughout development projects.
• Support Operations with troubleshooting, equipment oversight, and production trials in a 24/7 setting.
• Assist with thermal processing studies and maintain documentation for formulas and product parameters to ensure compliance with low-acid canned food requirements.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Flavor evaluation

Emulsions

Food safety

Allergens

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Nutrition

Master’s degree in Dairy Science

Job description

Research & Development Scientist – Rockford, Illinois Area (Onsite)

About Our Client:
Our client is a dairy-focused food and beverage manufacturer committed to high standards of food safety and quality. The organization promotes a safe, inclusive, respectful, and meaningful workplace centered on continuous improvement and innovation.

What Our Client Offers You:

• Salary: $90,000-130,000
• Medical Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are offered.
• 401(k) Benefits: 401(k) benefits are offered
• Paid Time Off: Holiday, vacation, and sick leave details are not specified.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is provided.

What You'll Do:
As the Research and Development Scientist, you’ll play a vital role in bringing innovative dairy-based beverages and cheese products from concept through commercialization. You’ll combine food science expertise with hands-on product development, collaborating with customers and internal teams to create safe, high-quality products and support successful production trials.

• Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas while producing and evaluating benchtop samples for customer shipment.
• Establish formulas and processes for plant trials and production, partnering with Operations, Procurement, and Quality on pilot, production, customer, and thermal process testing.
• Create product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels while ensuring compliance with applicable FDA and USDA requirements.
• Build strong relationships with customers and Sales by providing timely product information, technical support, and effective communication throughout development projects.
• Support Operations with troubleshooting, technical leadership, laboratory and pilot equipment oversight, and production trials in a 24/7 operation.
• Assist with thermal processing studies, maintain documentation for formulas and product parameters, and help ensure compliance with low-acid canned food requirements.

Qualifications You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field; a master’s degree in Dairy Science is preferred.
• At least 3 years of dairy food or beverage research and development experience, with food product development and commercialization experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of emulsions, milk and whey proteins, food safety, allergens, and flavor evaluation; retort experience is desired.
• Ability to maintain and operate laboratory and pilot equipment and work effectively in a production environment.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and web-based systems skills; excellent project management, organizational, communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.