R&D Food Scientist

Kinsa is recruiting for an: R&D Food Scientist

Location: Central Illinois

A growing food manufacturer is seeking an R&D Food Scientist to develop, formulate, and commercialize new food products and processes. This hands-on role will support projects from early formulation and ingredient evaluation through plant trials and full-scale commercialization while working directly with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver safe, high-quality products.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $90-115k base salary
• Performance-based bonus 
• Comprehensive healthcare
• 401(k) with match
• Paid holidays and PTO

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Independently formulate new products and prepare samples for internal and customer evaluation.
• Evaluate ingredients and supporting documentation for technical and regulatory feasibility.
• Design experiments and lead production scale-up activities, including plant trials, to successfully transition products from the lab to full-scale manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain formulas, finished product specifications, and required R&D documentation.
• Design and manage shelf-life studies while supporting sensory evaluation and product quality initiatives.
• Work directly with customers to provide technical support and ensure product development objectives are achieved.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Operations to support successful commercialization and compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• 3–5 years of food product development experience with a bachelor's degree, or 0–2 years of experience with a related master's degree.
• Strong experience with food formulation, product development, and commercialization.
• Experience with plant trials, production scale-up, ingredient evaluation, and product specifications.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of HACCP, FDA food labeling, Genesis R&D, ERP/documentation systems, and nutritional analysis is advantageous.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food/Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related science field; master's degree applicable for earlier-career candidates.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need, so if you know someone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass along their name and contact information or share this opportunity with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses when a referral is hired by our client!Recruiter Information:
Stephanie Savage
stephanies@kinsa.com