NPD Scientist

Purpose of Role: 

Findlay Food Coatings Ltd is a family business of 5 generations. As such the Directors and family members are all very hands on within the company.   

The NPD Scientist role is based at the JR Simplot Technical Centre and provides direct communication between the organization’s with regards to Technical support and Product development. The position reports directly to the Senior Scientist and has strong lines of communication with the Technical Manager, Idaho Plant Manager and the company directors.

The NPD Scientist is a key role at Findlay Food Coatings. You will be aligned with our Values Mission and Vision and will reflect on our core values and demonstrate integrity and commitment with our team members and customer base to ensure the sustainability of our business and our environment 

Summary of the Job:

The new product development scientist will primarily be responsible for working closely with the customer to develop new products as requested. Beyond product development, the NPD scientist will be part or the larger technical team and will support innovation projects, production needs and perform regular audits of recipes and ingredient. The ideal candidate will have a strong food science background, the desire to continuously learn, and experience in product development/innovation.

The NPD Scientist responsibilities will be:

• Conduct research and development for new product development
• Conduct experiments for project ranging from small scale to pilot plant levels
• Detail record keeping, data collection and analysis
• Work closely with the production team as needed for scaling up experiments
• Perform regular audits of recipes and ingredients
• Communicate project requirements and status with key stake holders in the plant as well as FLT members
• Alignment with our Strategic Plan 
• Compliance to our Health & Safety Programs 
• Compliance with Quality and Food Safety Programs  
• Be the key contact with our customers in the context of New Product Development and Technical support, and refer any “out of scope” queries to the correct FFCL representative 
• Technical contact for our suppliers as needed
• To ensure all FFCL activities at the JR Technical centre are running efficiently and effectively 
• Provide ingredient and blends to the Tech Centre as required 
• To contribute and add value to FFCL through continuous improvements of processes, systems and practices. 
• Ensure that all generations of knowledge and experience are considered, treated respectfully and where possible, recorded/documented.  
• Understand, Contribute and actively support the Findlay Company Culture as one global team, moving forward together as one. 

Education & Technical Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• Experience in place of degree will be considered on a case by case basis
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, sensory science, and processing technologies
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and formulation principles

Experience

• Experience in product development, bench-top formulation, and pilot-scale trials
• Working knowledge of commercialization processes and manufacturing scale-up
• Experience with sensory evaluation

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to design and execute experiments using scientific method
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in data analysis and documentation (e.g., statistical tools, lab notebooks)
• Skilled in prototype development and iterative formulation
• Understanding of food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent project management and time-management abilities

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration (customers, QA, operations)
• Ability to translate technical findings into clear recommendations
• Creative and innovative mindset for developing new food products
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and in team environments

Additional / Optional Qualifications

• Knowledge of nutrition labeling regulations and ingredient statements
• Familiarity with consumer insights and sensory panel design
• Hands-on pilot plant or manufacturing experience
• Experience with clean-label, plant-based, or functional food innovation

Key Focus Areas 

Duties 

Product Development 

• Work with JRS Team on any initiatives as required 
• Present ideas and take a leadership role as required 
• Work with other customers NPD 
• Lead Idaho based team on NPD projects as assigned by Senior Scientist or Technical Manager

JRS Enquiries 

• Answer any queries from JRS as required 
• Where enquiry is out of scope redirect to correct FFCL team member 

Ingredients 

• Ensure only ingredients listed in the PIA file are used 
• Understand all Supply contracts and adhere to requirements 
• Keep all programs up-to-date with latest ingredient information

Compliance Requirements 

• Understand and comply with OSHA requirements 
• Understand and comply with Food safety. GMP, HACCP and BRC requirements 

Suppliers 

• Identifying and cultivating new supplier opportunities 

Production 

• Ensure GMP is always front of mind with team 
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed correctly 
• Quarterly check of the recipe systems to ensure correct recipes

Senior Scientist

• The Senior Scientist is the manager of the scientist, and will provide day to day management and resolve issues such as leave and timeliness  

Technical Manager

• The Scientist will report to the Technical Manager and consult with them on projects

Company Directors 

• The Company Directors are an important line of communication of the Scientist 

Plant Manager 

• The Plant Manager is an important line of communication with the Scientist
• Assist the Plant Manager as required 

Quality Assurance Manager 

• The Quality Manager is an important line of communication with The Scientist 
• The Quality Manager has open lines of communication with the President/CEO and Company Directors at all times with regards to process and operations 
• Assist the Quality Manager as required 

Production Manager 

• The Production Manager is a direct report to the Plant Manager 
• Assist as required 

Administration (Head Office) 

• Work with NZ Based team as required 
• Full understanding and utilisation of the Globalbake System 
• Provide all recipe and ingredient information in a timely fashion 
• Support product approval, e.g. producing NIP, product specifications

Health and Safety Manager 

• Ensure Safety is at the forefront of everything we do
• Work with (NZ Based) Health and Safety Manager to achieve company targets as required 

NZ Operations Manager 

• Work with NZ based Operations Manager to ensure the operational model is accurate 

NZ Based Support Staff 

• Work with any NZ based Support staff as required 

Personal Development 

• Identify personal development opportunities and continue to develop your own skills 

Influence Company Culture 

• Walk the walk and talk the talk with our Strategic Vision 
• Compliance to all Company Systems 
• Cleary demonstrate commitment to “best practice principles” 
• Leading by example 
• Spend “floor time” walking and talking with staff 
• Take the time to understand our process and apply your knowledge 
• Lead your team on continuous improvement opportunities 
• Demonstrate Commitment to Global Findlay Team  
• Identify Training opportunities for FFCL Team

Monday -Friday 8am-5pm

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $85,000