Research and Development Food Scientist

*We are hiring a **Research and Development Food Scientist** to join our team at Catallia Mexican Foods!* **Position Overview:** The R&D Food Scientist is responsible for leading product development projects from concept through commercialization. This position serves as the technical expert for product formulation, ingredient functionality, process optimization, and commercialization activities within the manufacturing facility. The Food Scientist will design experiments, lead plant trials, troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges, and collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, Sales, and customers to successfully commercialize new products and improve existing products. The ideal candidate possesses strong food science fundamentals, experience in bakery or tortilla manufacturing, and a proven ability to solve complex technical challenges in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. **Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions** - Lead formulation development for new and existing products - Apply food chemistry and ingredient functionality principles to optimize formulations - Evaluate alternative ingredients for cost savings, quality improvements, and supply continuity - Develop product specifications and manufacturing procedures - Establish critical processing parameters for successful commercialization - Conduct root cause investigations for product quality issues - Analyze plant trial data and make technical recommendations - Collaborate with Quality on product standards and specifications - Support customer technical meetings and commercialization activities - Identify continuous improvement opportunities for products and processes - Maintain detailed technical documentation and project records and provide recommendations based on scientific evidence - Support regulatory compliance, including ingredient statements, nutritional labeling, allergen management, and product claims - Participate in Stage Gate activities and assist the team in achieving the success of projects - Provide recommendations with regards to processing equipment and troubleshoot issues that affect quality and/or OEEs in production - Provide technical leadership during commercialization projects ## **General Responsibilities** - Actively participate in all product development activities - Perform additional duties as directed ## **Education & Experience** - Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline required - Master's degree in Food Science preferred - 3+ years of product development experience within a food manufacturing environment required - Experience developing and commercializing bakery, tortilla, or grain-based products required - Demonstrated experience leading plant trials and scale-up activities - Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, food chemistry, and food processing - Experience with nutritional labeling software preferred - Experience with Stage-Gate product development process preferred ### **Specific Competencies** - Excellent Understanding of Bakery equipment - Solid background in food science and basic math - Ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities - Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills - Strong planning and organizational skills - English language proficiency, both written and verbal - Demonstrated strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities **General Competencies** - Integrity - Hands on individual - Self-motivated - Flexibility - Ability to work alone or on teams **Physical Requirements** - Able to occasionally lift 25lbs - Must be physically able to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, and kneel frequently during plant trials - Prolonged periods of standing or sitting at a desk and working on a computer **Position Backup** - Absences covered by the Food Scientist or R&D Manager