Scientist, Product Development

The J.M. Smucker Company; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company is seeking a Scientist, Product Development in Orrville, OH. You will apply scientific rigor and business perspective to advance Uncrustables breads and sandwich products, framing complex problems and leading learning plans.

Responsibilities include leading formulation development, experimental design, lab and scale-up work, and translating data into actionable business recommendations, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related scientific field.
• At least 5 years in R&D or related technical discipline.
• Experience in bakery, snacks, or human foods preferred.
• Knowledge of stage-gate processes and technical documentation.
• Ability to design experiments and perform statistical analysis.
• Food safety knowledge; PCQI training a plus.
• Strong communication and cross-functional influence.
• Willingness for a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development for Uncrustables breads and sandwich products.
• Frame complex problems and define learning plans with clear paths forward.
• Serve as technical lead on high‑complexity innovation and transformation initiatives.
• Define experiments; lead lab, pilot plant, scale‑up, and manufacturing work.
• Interpret data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate across functions and external networks to align objectives.
• Coach others to strengthen formulation and product development capability.
• Support documentation and data governance across projects.

Skills

Food science

R&D

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Cross-functional collaboration

Hybrid work readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

Other scientific discipline

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Scientist, Product Development

Apply conceptual and practical expertise, scientific rigor, and business perspective to lead complex product and process development for Uncrustables breads and sandwich products. Frame complex challenges, define and lead detailed learning plans, and recommend solutions that balance technical, operational, financial, and market considerations. Advance formulation knowledge, experimental strategy, technical readiness, and new capabilities while serving as a technical leader, coach, and cross-functional partner. Through innovation, optimization, and strategic technical advancement, this role delivers meaningful business value and strengthens the broader technical community.

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 60% in office expectation, increasing to 100% as needed for lab or plant support. 30% annual travel, primarily during project scale-up phases.

In this role you will:

• Lead formulation development for new and existing Uncrustables breads and sandwich products, integrating ingredient, formula, process, business, and market considerations.
• Independently frame complex business problems, define and lead detailed learning plans, and recommend clear solutions and paths forward.
• Serve as a project team member or technical lead on higher-complexity innovation, renovation, and transformation initiatives with significant technical unknowns.
• Define experimental and research strategies; lead lab, pilot plant, scale-up, and manufacturing work; and guide or delegate execution as appropriate.
• Interpret complex data holistically, apply experience across disciplines, and translate findings into recommendations that address technical, operational, and financial feasibility.
• Lead exploration of strategic technical advancements, including new platforms, methodologies, capabilities, and defensive intellectual property opportunities.
• Demonstrate technical readiness for complex initiatives, collaborate across functions and external networks, and influence shared project and business objectives.
• Guide technical documentation and data governance, support scientific methodologies, and coach others to strengthen formulation and product development capability.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or other scientific discipline
• 5+ years of technical experience in R&D or a related technical discipline, preference in Human Food, Bakery, and/or Snacks
• Strong foundation in food formulation, product development, process engineering, or related technical work
• Strong working knowledge of stage gate processes, product specifications, technical documentation, and data governance across varied levels of complexity
• Ability to define experimental approaches, apply statistical analysis, and translate complex data into holistic, actionable recommendations
• Food safety foundation; PCQI training a plus
• Strong communicator who can connect technical findings to broader business considerations and influence cross-functional and R&D leadership audiences
• Independent problem solver who can lead complex work across disciplines and evaluate technical, operational, and financial trade-offs
• Builds credibility across functions, coaches others in the discipline, and contributes to a strong technical community
• Uses data visualization and storytelling to influence decisions and clarify complex recommendations
• Demonstrates continuous learning and flexibility to support business needs, including hybrid work expectations

TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

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We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.