Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces ยท 3 days ago
Sr. Research & Development Scientist
Walnut Creek, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$140K/yr - $160K/yr
10+ years expKinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces is a rapidly expanding company known for its flavor-obsessed culture and innovative products. The Senior R&D Scientist will play a crucial role in leading research and development projects, collaborating with various teams to create high-quality food products that meet consumer expectations.
Food and BeverageFood ProcessingManufacturingRestaurants
Responsibilities
Lead the evaluation and qualification of new ingredients, including novel flavor components and functional ingredients such as preservatives, hydrocolloids, and natural antimicrobial agents with a focus on driving clean-label standards without compromising performance
Identify and translate emerging food science and technology trends into actionable, long-term innovation platforms
Establish / manage strategic development projects with third-party research partners, including ingredient suppliers, independent R&D organizations, and academic institutions, to accelerate innovation
Be a subject matter expert, providing insights / guidance to cross-functional teams on formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality
Lead complex new product development projects from concept through commercialization, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of food science, packaging, formulation, and manufacturing processes
Design / execute experiments, from benchtop prototypes to plant trials, ensuring products meet quality, sensory, and shelf-life standards
Develop and maintain accurate product specifications, formulations, and processing parameters
Collaborate closely with Commercialization, Innovation, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure the seamless launch of new products
Support long-term product optimization projects focused on enhancing quality, scalability, clean-label standards, and flavor
Lead technical initiatives to improve product performance, including shelf-stability and freshness, across our diverse portfolio
Apply scientific principles to troubleshoot and resolve complex product, sourcing, or production challenges
Partner with the Sourcing and Operations teams to identify and approve alternative ingredients and process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising quality
Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Commercialization, Operations, and Quality) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs
Provide clear communication on risks / opportunities to senior leadership
Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Qualification
Required
10+ years of hands-on R&D and / or product development experience in the CPG food and / or ingredients industry
Experience in seasonings, sauces, marinades, frozen foods, or related product categories is a significant plus
Proven experience managing a portfolio of complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process
Demonstrated experience in working across the product development lifecycle, from benchtop formulation to full-scale commercialization
Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams
Experience in collaborating with external partners, such as ingredient suppliers and research institutions, is highly desirable
Strong working knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and various processing and packaging technologies
Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field is highly preferred
Preferred
M.S. or Ph.D. is a plus
Benefits
Paid time off
401k
Bonus / incentive eligibility
Equity grants
Competitive health benefits
Other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave
Company
Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces
Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces produces sauces, seasoning, rub, and marinates.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jim H.
Co-CEO & Chief Brand Officer, Director
Joe Rainero
CEO
Company data provided by crunchbase