Food Technologist

This role focuses on developing and prototyping new food products while ensuring strict compliance with HACCP and food safety standards. The Food Technologist conducts product testing, creates detailed product documentation, and supports the successful scale-up of formulations from the laboratory to full production. This position also collaborates closely with internal teams and customers to refine products, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and shelf life.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype new food products in compliance with HACCP and food safety standards.
• Conduct product testing to establish product specifications, shelf life, and analytical ranges.
• Create and maintain product specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), nutrition labels, and ingredient statements in compliance with NLEA and USDA regulations.
• Identify, evaluate, and validate alternative raw materials to improve cost, quality, and shelf life.
• Scale formulations from laboratory benchtop to full production and support initial production runs to ensure successful commercialization.
• Perform HACCP analyses on new raw materials and finished products to ensure food safety compliance.
• Coordinate with customers on sample revisions, timelines, specifications, and feedback to align product development with customer expectations.
• Support commercialization activities, including preparing costing requests, assisting with label development, and compiling required documentation.
• Assist with troubleshooting production or quality issues, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking to compare products against market offerings and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Participate in and support innovation sessions to generate new product ideas and enhancements.
• Collaborate with R&D and Quality teams to ensure consistent application of food science principles and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.
• Document and analyze data from trials, tests, and production runs to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline such as Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in product development or R&D benchtop work in the food industry.
• Proficiency with Genesis software for nutrition analysis and labeling.
• Strong data analysis skills to interpret test results and production data.
• Good written and verbal communication skills to prepare documentation and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Solid understanding of chemistry and food science principles as they apply to product development and food safety.
• Experience developing or working with product specifications, SOPs, and related documentation.
• Ability to apply HACCP principles to new materials and finished products.

• Knowledge of SOPs and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) is a strong plus.
• HACCP certification is a strong plus.
• Experience working in R&D and Quality departments within dressing and sauce manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with NLEA and USDA labeling requirements for nutrition labels and ingredient statements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with customers on sample revisions and specifications.
• Experience supporting commercialization activities such as costing, label development, and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and root cause analysis in a production setting.
• Ability to participate in innovation sessions and competitive benchmarking to drive new product ideas.
• Comfort working in a structured, process-driven environment with a focus on food safety and quality.

This role is based in a production and laboratory environment with a standard schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position requires the ability to carry up to 40 pounds as part of handling ingredients, samples, and equipment. You will work in areas that may involve exposure to noticeable changes in temperature and humidity, consistent with food manufacturing and processing operations. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required to ensure safety and compliance with facility policies. The work setting includes proximity to moving machinery, so adherence to safety procedures and awareness of surroundings are essential. Benefits available through the consulting arrangement may include medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options, along with access to a variety of partner discounts on items such as cell phone plans and consumer goods, and eligibility for a defined amount of sick pay after a qualifying period.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of City Of Industry, CA.

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in City Of Industry,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.

Salary : $30