Food Scientist

Are you a Food Scientist looking to join a quality company with a family-style culture? Do you have a passion for leading teams? We are looking for a strong leader who can bring expertise and experience to our organization. This position will provide opportunities for you to fully utilize your skills, while adding value to an exceptional company with a stellar reputation!

About the Company:

Since 1982, the Del Sol Food Company has focused on our unwavering dedication and commitment to quality by using only the finest ingredients. But it's the people behind our products that make Brianna's an award-winning company with a one-of-a-kind culture. Family is at the heart of everything we do, as evidenced by the number of our employees who have been with us for a significant number of years. In fact, half of our employees have been with us for over a decade!

Our vision for growth is much larger than salad dressing alone, and we're looking for dedicated individuals who desire to grow with us.

The Position:

The Food Scientist is responsible for developing, implementing, and launching all projects that affect production (productivity, renovation, innovation, quality projects) and involves strong interactions with internal cross functional teams and external suppliers. It requires hands on and analytical work, pilot plant work, management of formula costs and specifications (ingredient, product & process), conducting and coordinating industrial tests in plants, leading industrial launches, and managing projects. This position is responsible for leading a team of R&D Technicians to ensure that products are developed efficiently, meet quality standards, and align with company goals.

The regular working hours for this position are 7:00 am - 3:30 pm and will require the flexibility to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Position Responsibilities:

• Proficiency in sensory, ingredient function, food technology, and application across the organizations category sectors (salad dressings, marinades, coffee, & baked goods).
• Track progress of all open projects, consistently reporting progress status of all formal R&D projects to the QA/R&D Manager.
• Manage research projects for quality improvements, cost optimization, process improvement and innovative ingredient and process technologies with a keen eye for detail.
• Manage product development projects from conception to commercialization, including conceptualization, prototyping, experimental design, material identification, selection, sourcing, packaging, labeling, and manufacturing processes in accordance with business objectives, customer demand, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop new methods and new approaches to resolve complex food‐chemistry challenges.
• Hands‐on development of new prototypes against required consumer, safety, regulatory, commercialization and cost parameters.
• Assist with sourcing and evaluation of new vendors and/or ingredients.
• Prepare written reports for the development of new products, including specifications, technical information, costing, timelines, and objectives.
• Select appropriate methods, tests, and procedures for testing.
• Stay abreast of global food technologies and products, bringing ongoing flow of new ideas and products to the innovation pipeline in alignment with business units' strategic direction.
• Set up new items for commercialization through internal ERP software.
• Conduct and lead assessment and capability studies, product startups/commercialization and provide on‐site support to Plant Operations for new products, productivity, and quality programs.
• Provide technical support to Customer Service, Operations, Procurement and Quality.
• Travel up to 15% of the time.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

• BS./B.S. in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or related field.
• 3 ‐ 5 years of food/bakery R&D, formulation, and product development experience.
• Strong knowledge of food labeling, product claims, and food technology.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently in a flexible work environment with changing priorities.
• Self‐starter with strong initiative to seek improvements.
• Highly efficient at planning and staying on tight timelines and planning projects accordingly.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrate independent and critical thinking ability, hands‐on mentality/qualities.
• Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drop off samples as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish preferred.
• Must be able to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Must work proactively with all departments in the company.
• Ability to lead, train, and develop team members.

Why work for Del Sol Food Company?

In addition to joining a fun work environment, our compensation and benefits package are designed to encourage longevity with the company. Below are some of the benefits offered:

• Paid Time Off
• 10% Bonus Potential
• 401k with a match
• Dental, Vision, Health, and Life Insurance
• Growth and Professional Development Opportunities
• Climate-controlled, state of the art manufacturing facility

​​​​​​Apply today and tell us why you would be a good fit for our Food Scientist role!

Del Sol Food Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected status established by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclaimer: Del Sol has considered several points such as cost of living and general industry pay standards when determining the provided salary range. However, final salary packages will be determined by factors such as years of experience and growth potential.