What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Product Development Contractor (Technical Food Science – Prototyping Focus) position at Seven Claves CPG?
Key Responsibilities
- Lead bench-top product development with a focus on ingredient functionality, stability, and manufacturability
- Measure and interpret pH, water activity (Aw), and other stability indicators during development
- Identify likely shelf-life failure modes early (emulsion break, moisture migration, oxidation, protein denaturation, phase separation)
- Develop paper-based formulations with full COGs estimates and sourcing notes
- Translate benchtop formulas into clear technical batch sheets and manufacturing instructions
- Flag regulatory and food safety risks early (GRAS status, allergen labeling, acidification requirements, claims limitations)
- Coordinate or interpret third-party testing (COAs, microbial analysis, nutrition panels)
Technical Orientation (Read Carefully)
This is not a culinary recipe development role.
This role requires applied food science prototyping experience. You must be comfortable using analytical tools and data to guide formulation decisions.
You should be able to:
- Use pH meters and understand acidified vs low-acid food thresholds
- Measure and interpret water activity (Aw)
- Anticipate microbial and stability risks before scale-up
- Adjust formulas based on stability constraints, not just flavor feedback
- Formulate with the understanding that successful products will move into commercial manufacturing environments
- If your background is primarily culinary or chef-driven without analytical formulation experience, this role will not be a fit.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
- Hands-on food product development in CPG environments (bars, beverages, sauces, functional foods, dry blends, etc.)
- Experience conducting bench trials and documenting results
- Solid understanding of ingredient functionality under manufacturing conditions
- Familiarity with FDA/USDA regulatory frameworks
- Able to manage multiple development tracks independently
- Comfortable with documentation and workflow tracking
How to Apply
Send a brief summary of your relevant formulation and prototyping experience with “Food Product Development Contractor” in the subject line.
Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/company/seven-claves/
Job Type: Contract
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97239
Salary : $30