Food Scientist

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company, CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Our many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda® and Bibigo Asian-style snacks. Schwan’s is a place for people with an appetite for more.  To learn about joining a team where you can belong, contribute, and thrive, visit www.schwanscompany.com

We are seeking a Food Scientist for our frozen meals group to join our Asian Products R&D team in Orange County, CA!  As the Food Scientist, reporting to the R&D Sr. Manager, you will primarily work on our frozen Bibigo brand portfolio focusing on new product development, innovation and product improvement in the retail and food service markets. Additionally, projects will include finding efficiencies and synergies in materials, evaluating ingredient alternatives, optimizing formulas, and enhancing ingredient functionality. As a part of the Asian Products R&D Team, you will be a significant contributor to launching new products within established frozen meal platforms. 

What you will get from us:

• Opportunities for career growth with one of THE fastest growing food companies in the US. 
• A culture focused on building trust, challenging assumptions, and continuous transformation. 
• Competitive compensation including incentives and a flexible time off program.

Position Responsibilities

• Stretch the boundaries to find the next big thing for consumers by performing bench work to find creative solutions, conducting plant trials, trend & technology research, and communicating findings and recommendations to leadership and cross functional partners.
• Design and conduct plant trials and new product start-ups
• Source ingredient alternatives, optimize formulas, and enhance ingredient functionality for cost savings and product improvement.
• Plan, prioritize and complete tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Create & adhere to product development schedules to meet project timelines.
• Maintain accurate and complete records with high level of organization.
• Work with production equipment & personnel under direct supervision
• Learn and utilize company systems and SOPs.
• Design and execute experiments and prepare reports for review.
• Conceptualize and develop new products prototypes for multiple projects concurrently.
• Handle product cuttings, testing and other duties as assigned.
• Create technical documents, specifications and cook preps.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, vendors and co-packers.
• Identify new trends, technologies and processes to further advance our team.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in food science or related field, Masters preferred
• 3 years of combined relevant work experience in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization; previous R&D experience in Frozen, Meals and/or Sauces is highly preferred.
• Good understanding of fundamental principles of food science and technology, along with standard food micro, lab best practices and procedures
• Knowledge of food industry standards of quality and food safety, GMPs, HACCP, food labeling and FDA/USDA regulations
• General culinary knowledge and passion for global food is beneficial in this position.
• Good general knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to work with complex spreadsheets and interpret technical data.

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to manufacturing environments periodically to include loud noise, excessive heat or cold, wet and slippery conditions.
• Use of small tools, equipment, and machinery
• Driving a rental vehicle as needed on business trips.
• May travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically & internationally. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible company representative.
• Exposure to food tasting and smells including all food allergens.
• Capable of lifting 30lbs and standing/walking for extended periods of time when necessary
• Work in and around cramped/confined spaces.
• Climbing to various heights via stairs or ladders

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan’s Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin or other protected class.