Senior Food Technologist

First Search Inc.; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A food technology company in Elk Grove seeks a Senior Food Technologist to lead innovation and product development in the tortilla category. This role involves mentoring junior staff, overseeing critical testing processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in food science, project management skills, and experience in food manufacturing. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, along with 3-5 years of industry experience. Join a dynamic team focused on technical advancement.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in fresh/frozen baked goods or food product development.
• Extensive experience in Food Manufacturing with strong understanding of plant operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing product launches from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new and innovative products.
• Interpret customer product requirements into actionable plans.
• Oversee shelf-life testing and validation of data.
• Mentor junior staff and drive product development projects.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

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

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)

Job description

The Senior Food Technologist will help lead innovation, optimization, and technical advancement initiatives across the tortilla category and other related product lines. This position requires expertise in formulation science, process improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration. The Senior Food Technologist will mentor junior staff, drive complex product development projects, and act as the technical liaison between R&D, operations, and commercial teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist leading development and implementation of new and innovative products, both from customer and marketing requests, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Interpret and translate customer product requirements into actionable development and commercialization plans.
• Oversee shelf‑life testing process: analyze and validate data, interpret results, and present technical recommendations to stakeholders.
• Supervise product testing, including batching of ingredients and process validation, providing technical oversight.
• Manage documentation and data integrity for all R&D activities using advanced reporting systems.
• Validate manufacturing processes during plant trials and provide continuous improvement feedback.
• Assist leading post‑test analysis of finished products and ensure data‑driven conclusions guide process optimization.
• Coordinate sensory evaluation sessions and lead cross‑functional interpretation of results.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, nutrition labeling, and technical documentation accuracy in collaboration with QA.
• Drive cost optimization, process improvement, and line‑extension initiatives through technical innovation.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to provide expert technical support and product feasibility analysis.
• Mentor and train technologists in formulation, testing, and commercialization best practices.
• Support corporate sustainability and quality initiatives within the product innovation pipeline.
• Flexibility to work non‑standard hours and travel for product launches or technical validations as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or other related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in fresh/frozen baked goods or food product development.
• Extensive experience in Food Manufacturing with strong understanding of plant operations.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing product launches from concept to commercialization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Must have the ability to manage new and multiple projects from conception to commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑phase projects independently.
• Strong communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and technical writing abilities.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and develop others in R&D best practices.