Oats Overnight · 2 days ago
Senior Innovation Scientist
Phoenix, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expOats Overnight is on a mission to build a generational CPG brand, and they are seeking a Senior Innovation Scientist to lead the development and review of formulations for current and future products. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to create new products from concept to commercialization, while improving nutritional quality, flavor, and texture of food products.
Consumer GoodsFood and Beverage
Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, and optimization of new product platforms with a focus on RTM (ready-to-mix) applications
Apply advanced design of experiments (DOE) methodologies to evaluate ingredient performance, interactions, and consumer impact
Drive ingredient functionality innovation, leveraging emerging technologies, novel proteins, fibers, flavors, and natural sweetener systems
Partner with sourcing, operations, and suppliers to identify and qualify new ingredients and technologies that expand product opportunities
Lead scale-up readiness efforts, partnering with operations and manufacturing to ensure seamless transition from bench to pilot to plant
Champion value-engineering by identifying opportunities for cost reduction, process simplification, and ingredient efficiency while protecting taste, nutrition, and quality
Translate sensory and analytical data into actionable insights to drive continuous improvement
Deliver high-level technical presentations that communicate complex scientific results, opportunities, and risks to stakeholders across R&D, operations, and leadership
Mentor junior scientists in experimental design, technical problem solving, and innovation best practices
Stay current on trends, technologies, and emerging science to anticipate and shape future product platforms
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Minimum 5+ years in the food industry focusing on product development or applications science (RTM or beverage powder product experience strongly preferred). 7+ years preferred for highly technical or leadership-focused roles
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. Master's or Ph.D. preferred
Proven expertise in ingredient functionality across proteins, fibers, flavors, and sweetener systems
Experience in flavor development and application, especially in complex powder and RTM systems
Proficiency with DOE methodologies and data-driven product development
Strong knowledge of ingredient sourcing, supplier engagement, and qualification processes
Hands-on experience with scale-up readiness, pilot testing, and commercialization
Knowledge of sensory evaluation and ability to interpret sensory data for actionable insights
Familiarity with formulation software (Genesis preferred)
Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills
Strong sensory acuity with highly developed taste and smell perception
Understanding of food safety, quality standards, and FDA regulatory requirements
Someone that can partner and influence at all different levels
Ability to handle multiple priorities and navigate in a fast-moving environment
A relentless drive to get things done
Flexible, willing, and quick to learn new processes, new technology, and new ways of thinking
Preferred
Experience mentoring or leading teams is a plus
Benefits
Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision coverage, Life Insurance, and 401k.
4 Weeks PTO.
Weekly Pay.
Stock options — every employee is an owner.
Free, delicious oatmeal.
Company
Oats Overnight
Oats Overnight is a manufacturer of oatmeal-based nutritional breakfasts.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Oats Overnight has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$57MKey Investors
Enlightened Hospitality InvestmentsSchnitzel Capital
2024-07-29Series B· $35M
2023-03-02Series A· $20M
2022-08-01Seed
Leadership Team
Brian Tate
Founder and CEO
Recent News
Venture Capital Firms
2025-10-03
Seattle TechFlash
2025-09-15
2025-09-13
Company data provided by crunchbase