Product Development Application Scientist

Job description:

Job Summary:

The Product Development Application Scientist supports the development, optimization, and commercialization of new and existing products across powdered beverages, powdered supplements, and bar formats. This role works cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Packaging to ensure formulations are scalable, compliant, and aligned with production capabilities. This position is responsible for executing product development activities from benchtop through commercialization, supporting plant trials, and contributing to continuous product improvement through technical expertise and collaboration.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

Develop and formulate new products and line extensions across powders and bar applications

Create benchtop and pilot-scale samples for internal evaluation, customer review, and lab testing

Build bulk samples to support stability, sensory, and analytical testing

Support product scale-up activities, including bar trials and production runs

Assist in troubleshooting product and process issues during development and commercialization

Collaborate with Operations to evaluate how formulations perform on production equipment; provide recommendations for improvements

Assist in building and validating production targets to align R&D and manufacturing outputs

Review batch sheets to confirm alignment with formulation, label claims, and quality standards

Conduct and support shelf-life and stability testing programs

Support label review activities for R&D, ensuring alignment between formulation, claims, and regulatory requirements

Create and maintain Nutrition Facts Panels (NFPs) and Supplement Facts Panels (SFPs) for new and existing products

Evaluate raw material documentation (COAs, specifications, allergen statements) to support compliance and formulation accuracy

Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality, macro composition, potency, and overages in formulation development

Collaborate with the Packaging Engineer on packaging validation and testing to support product integrity and shelf-life performance

Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, trials, and results within internal systems

Qualifications:

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

5+ years of experience in product development within food, beverage, or dietary supplement manufacturing

Experience with powdered products and/or nutritional bars

Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and PPE requirements

Experience supporting product scale-up from benchtop to production

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

Strong understanding of:

Nutritional macros and ingredient functionality

Potency, overages, and formulation accuracy

Food and dietary supplement labeling regulations (FDA compliant)

Ability to review and interpret:

Raw material specifications and technical documents

Certificates of Analysis (COAs)

Basic understanding of packaging fundamentals, including material compatibility and shelf-life impact

Ability to identify and help resolve formulation and processing challenges in a production environment

Systems & Tools:

Proficiency in:

Microsoft Outlook

Smartsheet

Microsoft SharePoint

Genesis R&D (or similar formulation software)

Core Competencies:

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance

Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment

Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration

Hands-on, team-oriented approach with a willingness to support plant activities

Preferred Experience:

Experience in a contract manufacturing (co-man) environment

Exposure to customer-facing product development processes

Experience with functional ingredients, sports nutrition, or specialty formulations

Scope of Products:

Powdered beverages

Powdered dietary supplements

Nutritional and functional bars

Work Environment:
This position is on the manufacturing floor almost constantly. Exposure to allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans is likely.