Whey Protein Innovator & Process Scientist

Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc.; Milbank (SD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc. seeks a technical leader to develop and enhance whey protein from concept to commercialization, serving as the dairy science expert across R&D, innovation and new product development.

You will plan and execute bench, pilot, and plant trials, analyze results, and translate findings into actionable next steps. You will prepare reports for senior management and collaborate cross-functionally to optimize formulas and processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science/technology, chemistry, engineering or related field with 2 years dairy processing or R&D experience.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills.
• Master’s degree and 5 years in food processing/manufacturing; bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and process aspects from concept to launch across cross-functional teams.
• Plan and execute bench, pilot, and plant trials; analyze results and document data.
• Design ideas and solutions for R&I and product category strategy.
• Provide ongoing technical support for new and existing products.
• Assist with process targets to meet specifications and yield goals; monitor and adjust.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management.
• Identify opportunities to innovate via new processes/technologies.
• Develop product formulas and specifications with raw materials.
• Collaborate with suppliers on new technologies and ingredients.
• Provide training to cross-functional partners.

Skills

Whey protein expertise

Dairy science

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Technical capacity

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/technology/chemistry/engineering

Master's degree in related field

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc. seeks a technical leader to develop and enhance whey protein from concept to commercialization, serving as the dairy science expert across R&D, innovation and new product development.

You will plan and execute bench, pilot, and plant trials, analyze results, and translate findings into actionable next steps. You will prepare reports for senior management and collaborate cross-functionally to optimize formulas and processing.