Product Scientist

The Sun Orchard Innovation team plays a critical role in driving company growth by developing and optimizing products and processes that deliver customer and consumer satisfaction while maximizing profitability.

The Product Scientist position will lead and support projects focused on the development and commercialization of new products and processes, and the enhancing of existing product and process efficiencies. The position will also collaborate with cross-functional team members and external partners to deliver high-quality, safe, and cost-effective products that deliver against customer and consumer needs. The position will involve working in laboratory, test kitchen and food manufacturing environments.

LOCATION: Boca Raton, FL

• Engage directly in product formulations and calculations, laboratory bench experiments and prototype development, sensory evaluations, process integration, shelf-life validations, and technical specifications development, through collaboration with a cross-functional team, from concept through commercialization and launch.
• Manages multiple projects involving product and process development and optimization, including manufacturing trials and scale-up.
• Represent the Innovation department in teams formed across company functions, including but not limited to Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Operations, Procurement, Finance and Sales.
• Evaluate ingredients and suppliers for suitability in new product applications, or as potential substitutes for existing products.
• Develop product prototypes that meet organoleptic, nutritional and cost targets.
• Conduct shelf-life studies to determine the stability and performance of finished products and raw ingredients through analytical and sensory testing.
• Conduct and participate in sensory tests and tastings, supports external consumer testing, and manages 3rd party laboratory testing.
• Ensure compliance of ingredients and products with applicable regulatory nutritional and labeling requirements.
• Partner with the Sales, Procurement, Operations and Finance teams to assess and determine the financial viability of assigned initiatives.
• Support the scale-up and optimization of new and existing products by creating production formulations, blending instructions, and process guidelines in collaboration.
• Develop recipes and product applications for food shows, sales, and media content.
• Write detailed & accurate reports of analyses, experiments, shelf-life studies, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Effectively communicates activity and project updates.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal and customer presentations and at industry events.
• Provide training to team members to develop product and applications expertise.
• Demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness in responding to changing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, listening and presentation skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with fellow scientists, cross-functionally with Sales, Procurement, Operations, Finance and other associates, and externally with customers and suppliers.
• Self-starter, collaborative, with strong problem-solving and project management skills, with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Domestic and international travel as required for project management and support.
• Other duties as assigned.