Research and Development Food Scientist

Who We Are

FedUp Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.

Position Summary

The Food Scientist will coordinate and create new products and enhance existing products while remaining aligned with the strategy, commitments, and goals of the organization. You will work directly with the Product Development team.

An ideal applicant will be highly skilled, consistently punctual, and enjoy working with a variety of individuals who share similar values and goals.

General Duties/Responsibilities

• Project manage the product development process from benchtop to commercialization.

• Create, refine, and mix recipes according to customer specifications and requests.

• Schedule and manage sensory evaluations and tasting panels.

• Coordinate shelf life studies and pilot batch production.

• Document, communicate, and track development progress and outcomes.

• Support food safety compliance including GMP and SQF policy adherence.

• Manage and organize incoming samples and sample analysis.

• Coordinate sensory evaluation of new ingredient samples.

• Maintain thorough documentation of batch and experiment records.

• Conduct testing and data analysis on prototypes.

• Draft product specifications and standard operating procedures.

• Maintain a running action plan for product development.

• Ensure formulation data and reports are securely controlled.

• Communicate internally and with clients on progress, timing, and change management.

• Assist in the review of product label changes.

• Maintain a clean and organized test kitchen and order supplies as needed.

• Schedule and brew pilot batches of varying scale.

• Stay current with trends, new products, flavors, and fermented beverages.

• Collaborate effectively with team members to complete projects on time.

• Receive cross-training on production flavoring duties as needed.

Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities

• Follow GMP policy and encourage compliance within the team.

• Understand SQF policies related to pest control, visitors, allergens, and sanitation.

• Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and food safety.

• Report food quality or safety issues to the Quality Assurance Manager for CAPA review and resolution.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and QA principles.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in food science required.

• 2+ years of R&D experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods.

• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, push, pull, and walk on uneven surfaces occasionally.

• Ability to work in hot, cold, and wet environments.

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 pounds.

Our Values

Agility Collaboration Communication Lifelong Learning Community Gratitude

Our Benefits

• Health Insurance (80-90% of individual premium covered)

• Group Term Life Insurance (100% company-covered)

• Short-Term Disability (100% company-covered)

• Long-Term Disability (50% company-covered)

• Voluntary Dental, Vision, LifeAccident Insurance

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• 9 Paid Holidays

• PTOSick Time

We are committed to fair, equitable, and market-rate compensation. New hire offers are typically positioned around the market midpoint for the role (currently $68,900), with final compensation determined based on experience, scope of responsibility, and overall fit. Higher placement within the range is achieved over time through sustained impact and long-term contribution.

EEO Statement

AKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws