What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Scientist, R&D position at HomeTown Food Company?
Position Overview: Location: MILTON , PA
The Scientist, R&D will be joining a private equity “start-up” business with iconic brands, strong retail presence, and outstanding manufacturing capabilities. With moderate supervision, the Scientist leads product development projects from concept through commercialization for HTFC. The Scientist is responsible for developing and testing formulas and processes for new products, quality improvements and cost reductions with moderate levels of supervision and guidance from the R&D Manager. The role will be based at the Milton, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility focusing on shelf stable meals, specifically canned pasta, sauces, meat components, beans, rice, broths, soups, and chili.
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical input throughout all phases of new product development (concept through commercialization)
- Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
- Lead/support the planning, execution and reporting of plant trials and product validations for new products and reformulations.
- Perform data entry, verification and validation of specifications in company PLM system and nutrition software.
- Review and approve product labels, ingredients, and nutritional claims.
- Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and suppliers for potential use in product development.
- Recommend and implement product quality improvements based on quantitative insights.
- Reformulate existing products to improve taste, nutritional profile, cost efficiency, or regulatory compliance.
- Investigate and implement cost reduction initiatives.
- Cross functional collaboration with Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations.
- Document all formulations, procedures, and trial results accurately.
- Perform shelf-life studies and sensory evaluations.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulatory guidelines, and labeling laws (e.g., FDA, USDA).
- Support troubleshooting in production and quality-related issues
- Maintain laboratory ingredient inventories. Keep accurate records on lab work and data analysis.
- Safely operate, clean, and maintain lab-ware and equipment while adhering to GMPs in the handling and preparation of food products.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
- Will need to travel as requested, less than 20%.
Qualifications:
- 3-5 years of food R&D experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in food science or engineering.
-
Additional Preferred Experience
- Experience developing canned pastas, sauces, meat components, beans, rice,
- broths, soups, and chili
- Experience working with Canning, UHT, and Aseptic Operations
- Culinary Experience
Personal Characteristics:
- Displays even temperament, ethical values and good team-play within R&D and cross-functionally
- Strong communication skills
- Great attitude and drive: Ability to roll up sleeves and get things done.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment can handle moderate degrees of ambiguity.
- Passion for food and innovation.
