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Sr. Research & Development Scientist

Sr. Research & Development Scientist

Kinder'sWalnut Creek, CA, US
1 day ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US AT KINDER'S :

What's it like to work at Kinder's? Well, there's a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. But beyond that, there's also plenty of hard work. Because we don't just like flavor, we're obsessed with it.

With over 100 products sold nationwide, we're now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. But we're not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need other smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you're looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work, this is it. Every day, you'll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.

We are Seeking :

The Senior R&D Scientist will report to the VP of R&D and will be a key technical leader within the organization. This individual will be instrumental in driving key long-term R&D projects while also supporting our mission to deliver best-in-class speed to market and quality of new innovations. In this role, you will work on complex technical challenges, collaborate with internal and external partners, and apply your deep knowledge of food science to create best-inclass products that delight our consumers and set new standards of what is possible in the categories that we choose to enter. .

Key Responsibilities of This Role Include :

Technical Innovation & Research

  • Lead the evaluation and qualification of new ingredients, including novel flavor components and functional ingredients such as preservatives, hydrocolloids, and natural antimicrobial agents with a focus on driving clean-label standards without compromising performance.
  • Identify and translate emerging food science and technology trends into actionable, long-term innovation platforms.
  • Establish / manage strategic development projects with third-party research partners, including ingredient suppliers, independent R&D organizations, and academic institutions, to accelerate innovation.
  • Be a subject matter expert, providing insights / guidance to cross-functional teams on formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality.

Product Development & Commercialization

  • Lead complex new product development projects from concept through commercialization, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of food science, packaging, formulation, and manufacturing processes.
  • Design / execute experiments, from benchtop prototypes to plant trials, ensuring products meet quality, sensory, and shelf-life standards.
  • Develop and maintain accurate product specifications, formulations, and processing parameters.
  • Collaborate closely with Commercialization, Innovation, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure the seamless launch of new products.

    • Product Optimization & Quality Enhancement

  • Support long-term product optimization projects focused on enhancing quality, scalability, clean-label standards, and flavor.
  • Lead technical initiatives to improve product performance, including shelf-stability and freshness, across our diverse portfolio.
  • Apply scientific principles to troubleshoot and resolve complex product, sourcing, or production challenges.
  • Partner with the Sourcing and Operations teams to identify and approve alternative ingredients and process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.

    • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Coordination

  • Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Commercialization, Operations, and Quality) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
  • Provide clear communication on risks / opportunities to senior leadership.
  • Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

    • Skills + Experience Needed for this Role :

  • 10+ years of hands-on R&D and / or product development experience in the CPG food and / or ingredients industry. Experience in seasonings, sauces, marinades, frozen foods, or related product categories is a significant plus.
  • Proven experience managing a portfolio of complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process.
  • Demonstrated experience in working across the product development lifecycle, from benchtop formulation to full-scale commercialization.
  • Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Experience in collaborating with external partners, such as ingredient suppliers and research institutions, is highly desirable.
  • Strong working knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and various processing and packaging technologies.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field is highly preferred. M.S. or Ph.D. is a plus.

    • Personal Attributes for Success :

  • Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
  • Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
  • Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
  • Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
  • Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
  • Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
  • Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
  • Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say 'yes' as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

    • The expected starting salary range for this role is $120,000- $133,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

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