Food Scientist

Job Title: Food Scientist

Job Description

This role focuses on leading and executing seasoning qualification trials at commercial bakeries across the United States. You will ensure that new seasoning suppliers can match existing product sensory profiles and specifications, manage scale-up from lab to full manufacturing, and perform bench work and lab testing that closely mimic factory processes. As an independent R&D food scientist, you will own projects end-to-end, from technical validation through documentation and cross-functional communication, while supporting a major biscuit department initiative with the opportunity to expand into other product areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute seasoning qualification trials at bakeries to validate new seasoning suppliers against existing product standards.
• Ensure new seasonings match the established sensory profile and technical specifications of current products.
• Manage the scale-up of new seasonings from laboratory development to full manufacturing processes.
• Conduct bench work and lab testing to accurately mimic the manufacturing process prior to factory trials.
• Plan, lead, and document pre-trial and post-trial meetings, capturing key decisions, trial results, and follow-up actions.
• Travel to bakeries across the United States approximately twice per month to oversee and support factory trials.
• Work independently as an R&D food scientist, driving projects forward with minimal supervision.
• Manage ingredient specifications, including creation, review, and maintenance of technical documentation for new seasonings.
• Collaborate with production and manufacturing teams during factory trials to ensure smooth execution and data collection.
• Support a year-long initiative for the biscuit department, contributing technical expertise to improve products and processes.
• Apply research and development methodologies to new product development and process optimization in food manufacturing.
• Communicate trial outcomes, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ensure that lab-scale results are translated effectively into pilot plant and full-scale manufacturing environments.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food manufacturing, including hands-on work in pilot plants and bakeries to test products.
• At least 3 years of experience in research and development (R&D) within the food industry.
• Demonstrated experience running trials in a factory setting, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Strong bench work and laboratory testing experience, with the ability to design tests that mimic manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in specification management for ingredients and finished products.
• Experience in food science with a focus on savory products; beverage manufacturing experience is acceptable when combined with strong manufacturing exposure.
• Practical knowledge of new product development and production processes in food manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of R&D projects from concept through scale-up.
• Willingness and ability to travel to bakery locations approximately twice per month for trials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in savory seasoning development or application within baked goods environments.
• Experience in beverage manufacturing that includes factory trial experience and process scale-up.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot manufacturing and formulation issues during trials.
• Effective communication skills for leading pre- and post-trial meetings and documenting outcomes.
• Adaptability to work across different product lines and departments as new assignments become available.
• Interest in working with exciting and widely recognizable consumer brands.
• Motivation to perform at a high level to open opportunities for future assignments or permanent roles in other departments.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment, with approximately 50% of your time required on site and typically 3-4 days in the office when not traveling. You will regularly work in laboratory settings, pilot plants, and bakery manufacturing facilities, participating directly in factory trials and hands-on process work. Travel to bakeries across the United States is expected about twice per month, with trips planned to be cost-effective. The on-site environment offers practical amenities, including free lunch for contractors and employees Monday through Friday and accessible espresso machines. You will support a year-long initiative within the biscuit department, with exposure to well-known consumer brands and the opportunity to move into other departments or roles based on performance.

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 24, 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.