Product Development Specialist
On-siteMesa, Arizona, United States
Job Summary
Develop and commercialize innovative food products from concept through production by formulating, testing, and scaling new items like popcorn and Corn puffs. Convert laboratory and pilot-scale recipes into full-scale manufacturing processes while conducting sensory analysis and coordinating plant trials. Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure products meet food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Source ingredients, maintain accurate documentation, and support continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency and cost reduction. Monitor project timelines and communicate progress to cross-functional teams. This role works primarily in food manufacturing and office environments, requiring flexible hours including occasional evenings or weekends to support production schedules.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Approximately four (4) years of experience in food product development, preferably within the confectionery or snack food industry
- Experience developing products from concept through commercialization
- Knowledge of food processing equipment and manufacturing operations
- Ability to scale recipes from bench-top or pilot batches to full-scale production
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Valid Food Handler Card or the ability to obtain one upon hire
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to support plant trials and production schedules
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
- Ability to work in hot, cold, and noisy production environments
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with confectionery, popcorn, granola, snack foods, or related products
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and food safety standards
- Experience working in SQF or GFSI-certified manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with ingredient functionality, nutritional labeling, and regulatory compliance
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