Senior Food Scientist – Dairy & Plant‑Based Innovation

Opta Food Ingredients Inc; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. in Eden Prairie, MN seeks a Senior Product Developer to advance dairy and beverage innovations from idea to launch. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations and Supply Chain to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities include formulation, ingredient sourcing, bench-top work, scale-up trials, and establishing finished product specs and labeling. Strong R&D guidance is essential to support customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science (preferred) or related field.
• 10 years of industry experience in product development for dairy/beverages.
• Knowledge of regulatory, organic, non-GMO and kosher requirements.
• Proficiency with Windows software (Word/Outlook/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Develop products from concept to production to meet specs.
• Lead formula development, ingredient sourcing and validation.
• Scale up trials across plant-based and dairy beverage lines.
• Provide technical support to Business Management, Sales and Operations.
• Manage multiple development projects within timelines; set specs and nutrition labeling.

Skills

Food preparation knowledge

Verbal and written communication

Multitasking and presentation

Lean Manufacturing

Momentum and drive

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or related field

Master's degree in food science (preferred)

Tools

MS Word

MS Outlook

MS Excel

Job description

SunOpta, Inc. in Eden Prairie, MN seeks a Senior Product Developer to advance dairy and beverage innovations from idea to launch. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations and Supply Chain to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities include formulation, ingredient sourcing, bench-top work, scale-up trials, and establishing finished product specs and labeling. Strong R&D guidance is essential to support customer requirements.