Food Scientist II

SUMMARY OF POSITION 

The Food Scientist II leads complex research and development initiatives that drive innovation, product optimization, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across pistachio, almond, and nut-based product lines. This role provides technical leadership from concept through commercialization, applying scientific expertise to solve product and process challenges while supporting cross-functional decision-making. This position offers an opportunity to make an immediate impact, contribute to business objectives, and growth within the company. It also requires strategic thinking and the ability to translate business, consumer, and technical needs into scalable solutions that enhance product quality and operational performance. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the development and commercialization of new and existing pistachio, almond, and nut-based products through the application of advanced food science and engineering principles.  

• Provide technical leadership on complex R&D initiatives, proactively identifying risks, resolving challenges, and driving projects forward in alignment with business objectives.  

• Serve as a subject matter expert in ingredient functionality, product formulation, processing, and product quality to support innovation and continuous improvement efforts.  

• Lead product feasibility assessments, plant trials, and commercial scale-up activities to ensure successful implementation of new products, processes, and technologies.  

• Evaluate emerging technologies, ingredients, and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation, process optimization, and competitive advantage.  

• Oversee regulatory and labeling compliance activities by ensuring the accuracy of nutrition, ingredient, specification, and packaging information in accordance with domestic and international requirements.  

• Lead sensory and shelf-life programs by applying scientific methodologies to assess product quality, validate performance, and recommend improvements that enhance product stability and consumer acceptance.  

• Analyze technical data and research findings to develop actionable recommendations related to product performance, shelf-life extension, packaging, and process improvements.  

• Establish, maintain, and communicate detailed technical documentation, product specifications, reports, and project records to support commercialization and compliance.  

• Partner closely with operations, marketing, sales, quality, and supply chain teams to align product development initiatives with consumer expectations, manufacturing capabilities, and business strategy.  

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement within R&D and across the organization.  

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior team members and cross-functional partners as needed. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

SKILL REQUIREMENTS 

Language skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary. 

• Ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, including senior management, customers, consumers, and regulatory officials. 

 

Mathematical skills 

• Exhibit strong analytical Skills (math and Excel) 

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, along with computing ratios and percentages 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

• None 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and condensed work areas. 

• The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The dust levels in the work environment are usually high. (Safety protection will be provided) 

• The employee may spend 50% or more of their work hours on the plant floor 

Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $99,000.00