Scientist Product Development

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

Job Description

This position is responsible for leading the new product development process from concept to launch. This role includes translating consumer insights to scalable new products based on robust food science principles. In addition, the product development scientist provides maintenance of the existing portfolio, and champions quality and continuous improvement.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering a related technical field or equivalent
• 1-2 years industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related technical field
• Food product development or culinary industry experience
• Strong knowledge of food science fundamentals and application to the product development process
• Demonstrated capability to manage multiple priorities and strong communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Design and develop new prototypes that translate consumer insight and wants into product attributes from benchtop through full scale production.
• Collaborates with R&D sub functions and cross functional team members to provide product expertise required 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 proper 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.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting: USD 79,280.00 - USD 109,010.00