Food Scientist

Job Title: Food ScientistJob Description

Lead and execute trials at bakeries to qualify new seasoning suppliers. Ensure that new seasonings align with the sensory profile and specifications of existing products. Manage the scale-up of new seasonings from lab to manufacturing, ensuring smooth transitions. Conduct bench work and lab testing to replicate the manufacturing process prior to factory implementation. Oversee pre- and post-trial meetings, handling all associated documentation. Travel to bakeries across the US for trials, approximately twice a month, and work independently as an R&D food scientist to drive projects forward. Manage specifications for new ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute bakery trials to qualify new seasoning suppliers.
• Ensure seasonings match existing product sensory profiles and specifications.
• Manage the scale-up process from lab to manufacturing.
• Conduct bench work and lab testing to simulate manufacturing processes.
• Lead pre- and post-trial meetings and manage documentation.
• Travel across the US twice a month for bakery trials.
• Drive projects independently as an R&D food scientist.
• Manage specifications for new ingredients.

Essential Skills

• BS in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in food manufacturing, with visits to pilot plants and bakeries.
• Experience in bench work, lab testing, and specification management.
• Experience in scaling up processes from lab to manufacturing.
• Strong background in R&D and new product development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 3+ years of R&D experience.
• Experience running trials in a factory setting.
• Preference for experience in savory product development, although beverage experience is acceptable with a manufacturing background.

Work Environment

Work schedule includes 50% of the time on-site, Monday to Friday. Enjoy complimentary lunch for contractors and employees, with espresso machines available on-site. Support a year-long initiative in the biscuit department, with opportunities to move to other departments based on performance. Collaborate with exciting and recognizable brands. Travel expectations include two trips per month, with travel arrangements either booked through the company"s travel team or reimbursed if booked independently. Work 3-4 days in the office when not traveling.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $37.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in East Hanover,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.