Food Scientist II - Chew CPG Inc

Chew is a mission-driven food and beverage innovation company founded on the notion that consumers shouldn't have to choose between what tastes great and what’s good for you.

DELICIOUS. NUTRITIOUS. SUSTAINABLE. PROFITABLE. SCALABLE.

We are looking for a balance between creative and pragmatic - someone self-motivated and driven to explore new ways of creating mutually beneficial partnerships, someone who is team-oriented and obsessed with details done with excellence. You will possess a strong knowledge of the food industry and be on top of the latest food trends. This is an opportunity to dream big and help create food that will change the world!

We partner with major industry players who want truly disruptive and impactful innovation and who desire our experience, flexibility, and focus. We break down barriers with a fresh perspective, deep and varied expertise, and creative problem-solving to tackle challenges at every step of the go-to-market process, creating products that are delicious, nutritious, sustainable, profitable, and scalable.

To do this, we surround ourselves with people who are both inspired and inspiring.

As a Food Scientist II, you will perform timely and accurate duties at the bench in formulation and processing based on scientific principles and discipline, with the end goal of servicing the overall business strategy and development.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Drive a range of projects, from concept to industrial scale, in partnership with experienced scientists and chefs. Ensure that product and process solutions meet defined quality, timelines, and cost objectives. 
• Technology scouting, project ideation, bench development, industrialization, and the launch of innovation and renovation projects.
• Continuously improve and optimize existing products and processes within internal production sites and external manufacturers to meet project requirements.
• This position requires 70-80% of the time to be dedicated to executing bench-scale experiments and scale-up activities for assigned projects. This includes providing technical support to identify and resolve root causes of issues encountered across various stages of product development, including experimental design, benchtop development, sensory cuttings, and shelf-life study.
• Provide first-line support to internal production sites and external factories by acting as the coach and training resource for product mastery and transferring knowledge to factories to troubleshoot if issues occur.
• Prioritize work activity, tasks, and project loads in accordance with the direction set by the project lead; proactively clarify as necessary to elevate pace.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:

For this role, we’re seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in food science, technology, chemistry, or equivalent education, a Master’s or Doctorate degree would be a plus, but not required.
• 3-5 years of food product/process development experience, preferably in a CPG environment.
• Ability to balance multiple project timelines and priorities.
• Hands-on experience in developing food formulation using laboratory instrumentation and pilot plant equipment, as well as experience in scaling up product designs to a manufacturing environment, is a plus.
• Experience in emulsions, hydrocolloids, extrusion, sugar reduction, calorie reduction, nutritional supplements, and functional ingredients is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in basic food analysis (including pH, moisture content, water activity, and color), texture analysis, rheology, and shelf-life studies.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment with minimal supervision while adhering to aggressive deadlines.

Other skills and attributes that will contribute to success in this role:

• Creative/independent thinking, results-focused, and ability to impact & convince others.
• A positive attitude and collaborative approach to accomplish team objectives and drive key projects to completion.
• Ability to effectively and accurately document and communicate results of research and analysis to peers and team leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead technical teams; as developing subject matter expert in a product or process.
• Ability to identify technical and project opportunities and navigate complex business relationships or situations.
• Occasional travel to partnership sites or co-manufacturing facilities may be required.