Senior Food Scientist

First Search Inc.; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company is looking for a Product Development Specialist to oversee the innovation and enhancement of tortilla products. This role involves cross-functional collaboration on product development, commercialization, and cost optimization. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in bakery product development, with strong leadership, project management skills, and a solid understanding of food science. This position is located in Elk Grove, California.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in bakery product development, preferably with frozen dough and tortillas.
• Demonstrated success in product development, formulation, and commercialization.
• Proven success in product development, formulation, and commercialization with increasing responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new products and line extensions.
• Translate customer and marketing requirements into product specifications.
• Manage shelf-life testing and oversee product testing activities.
• Document results and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing for target identification and prototypes.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate results to cross‑functional teams.
• Coordinate samples for sensory evaluations and ensure recordkeeping.
• Develop and verify nutritional information, labels, and regulatory compliance.
• Support Sales and Marketing with prototypes and technical documentation for commercialization.
• Provide technical support to customers and internal teams.
• Maintain understanding of production capabilities across sites.
• Drive cost optimization, quality improvement, and efficiency initiatives.
• Participate in concept development and continuous improvement programs.
• Create and maintain internal specifications, customer documentation, and data sheets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Time management

MS Office

Genesis

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Cereal Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Project)

Genesis and ERP systems

ERP systems

Job description

This position is responsible for the innovation, maintenance, and enhancement of products within the tortilla category—including frozen dough, dry mix, die‑cut, pressed flour, and corn tortillas. The role requires close collaboration with Operations, Finance, Sales, Quality, and Marketing on all aspects of product development, commercialization, and cost optimization. Significant interaction with manufacturing teams is required during project implementation and execution of cost‑saving initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and demonstrates a high degree of adaptability and independence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of new products and line extensions from concept through commercialization, leveraging both internal and external resources.
• Translate customer and marketing requirements into clear, actionable product specifications and processes.
• Manage shelf‑life testing, including data collection, validation, documentation, and communication of results to relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee product testing activities, including ingredient pre‑batching, plant trials, and process monitoring to ensure successful scale‑up.
• Document results through “Plant Test Forms,” update databases, and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records.
• Conduct finished product analysis post‑trials, recording and interpreting results using scientific and food science principles.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and communicate results effectively to cross‑functional teams.
• Coordinate and prepare samples for sensory evaluations and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Develop and verify nutritional information, label declarations, and regulatory compliance in accordance with governmental standards.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to identify formulation targets, develop prototypes, and prepare technical documentation to support commercialization.
• Provide technical support to customers and internal teams, applying deep knowledge of food science and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain a strong understanding of production capabilities and technologies across selected manufacturing sites.
• Drive cost optimization, quality improvement, and efficiency initiatives while ensuring consistency and adherence to brand and product standards.
• Participate in concept development programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create, update, and maintain internal specifications, customer documentation, and technical data sheets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Cereal Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in bakery product development, preferably with exposure to frozen dough, tortillas, and other baked goods.
• Demonstrated success in product development, formulation, and commercialization with a record of increasing responsibility.

Required Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects from concept to launch with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and labeling requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred; must be capable of mentoring junior team members.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Project) and familiarity with Genesis and ERP systems.
• Highly collaborative, self‑motivated, and detail‑oriented with strong time management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and maintain consistent focus in a dynamic production environment.