Food Scientist

We are seeking a talented and experienced Food Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with the sales team to develop and provide samples that meet customer needs. You will also utilize project tracking software to document technical information and produce concise technical reports. Your responsibilities will include researching and developing products, collaborating with team members, and maintaining a clean and organized lab space.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sales on projects to create test samples, demos, and concepts for meetings and tradeshows.
• Utilize project tracking software to communicate with sales and document technical information, including parameters tested and processing methods used.
• Produce concise technical reports with data collected and analyzed on the developed products.
• Research products, including manufacturing processes, replication ability, and ingredient requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Applications Team for product completion.
• Maintain documentation of projects, including demo and application sheets.
• Attend industry tradeshows to represent the company.
• Answer customer and sales inquiries as needed.
• Utilize food science and culinary experience to produce quality products in line with industry standards.
• Research, test, and introduce new product ideas.
• Maintain a clean and organized lab space and update the ingredient library as required.
• Organize and update the ingredient library.
• Keep project tracking software up-to-date.
• Provide ideation for trade show demos and webinar content.
• Support sales during onsite customer visits as required.
• Attend industry conferences as needed.
• Complete all assigned safety training in a timely manner.
• Follow the company's established processes, procedures, and policies, ensuring compliance with GMPs, PPE requirements, SQF standards, and product quality guidelines.
• Maintain a collaborative team mindset and actively support the company's Food Safety culture.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment and support colleagues in adhering to hygiene standards.

• 3-4 years of experience in the food/beverage industry
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science
• Hands-on food product development experience
• Experience in formulation development, iteration, and real-world application
• End-to-end development exposure, from concept to commercialization
• Practical, real-world food industry experience
• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Creative problem-solving skills and innovative thinking
• Demonstrated leadership potential for future advancement
• Strong presentation skills (PowerPoint)
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated, quick learner with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Navision, GiNA, and QlikView
• Willingness to travel as needed

• Analytical / Lab Skills
• Experience with pH and Brix measurements
• Exposure to UV-Vis spectroscopy
• Familiarity with other analytical tools or lab techniques

This is an on-site lab-based role with occasional regional travel once or twice per year. The work environment is supportive and collaborative, with a focus on maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety. Employees enjoy comprehensive medical benefits, employer-paid life insurance, gym reimbursement, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Gastonia, NC.

The pay range for this position is $72000.00 - $80000.00/yr.

• Comprehensive medical benefits (medical, dental, vision) fully covered for employees and their families through BCBS
• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits (VLI, STD, LTD, FSA, DCFSA, commuter benefits, etc.)
• $500 annual gym reimbursement
• 12 paid holidays
• 160 hours of paid vacation
• 80 hours of paid sick leave
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%
• Annual profit sharing (8% of prior year’s salary)
• Annual bonus eligibility based on company performance and individual goal achievement
• Annual salary increases
• Company events
• Several opportunities for professional growth and development

This is a fully onsite position in Gastonia,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $72,000 - $80,000