Research & Development (R&D) Food Scientist
Research & Development
Description
Innovate the Future of Food
At SOPAKCO, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As one of the nation's leading developers and manufacturers of shelf-stable foods and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), we combine food science, technology, and creativity to deliver products that meet the highest standards for quality, safety, nutrition, and performance.
We're looking for an experienced Research & Development Food Scientist who is passionate about turning ideas into commercially successful products. In this role, you'll lead formulation development, evaluate new ingredients and technologies, conduct pilot plant trials, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative products from concept to commercialization.
If you enjoy solving technical challenges, working with cutting-edge food technologies, and seeing your products reach customers around the world, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join SOPAKCO?
We invest in our employees by offering competitive pay, meaningful work, and an outstanding benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.
Benefits Include
Benefits are subject to plan eligibility and company policies.
Work Environment
Work Authorization
SOPAKCO does not sponsor employment visas for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Employees are expected to comply with all applicable food safety regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation requirements, and company policies.
Equal Employment Opportunity
SOPAKCO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
EEO/M/F/D/V/VEVRAA
Requirements
Required
Preferred
Core Competencies
Scientific Problem Solving
Uses scientific principles and sound technical judgment to solve formulation and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation
Applies creativity, market awareness, and technical expertise to develop commercially successful products.
Collaboration
Build strong partnerships across departments while communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
Seeks opportunities to improve products, processes, efficiencies, and overall business performance.
Attention to Detail
Produces accurate formulations, documentation, specifications, and technical reports while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Innovate the Future of Food
At SOPAKCO, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As one of the nation's leading developers and manufacturers of shelf-stable foods and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), we combine food science, technology, and creativity to deliver products that meet the highest standards for quality, safety, nutrition, and performance.
We're looking for an experienced Research & Development Food Scientist who is passionate about turning ideas into commercially successful products. In this role, you'll lead formulation development, evaluate new ingredients and technologies, conduct pilot plant trials, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative products from concept to commercialization.
If you enjoy solving technical challenges, working with cutting-edge food technologies, and seeing your products reach customers around the world, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join SOPAKCO?
We invest in our employees by offering competitive pay, meaningful work, and an outstanding benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.
Benefits Include
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- TextCare
- Noom Wellness Program
- Hinge Health Program
- Health Club Membership Reimbursement
- Company-Paid Life Insurance and AD&D
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition Assistance
- Employee Family Scholarship Program
- Pet Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Profit Sharing Program
Benefits are subject to plan eligibility and company policies.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in laboratory, pilot plant, production, and office environments.
- Regular exposure to food manufacturing equipment and ingredients.
- Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits, production trials, customer meetings, or industry events.
Work Authorization
SOPAKCO does not sponsor employment visas for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Employees are expected to comply with all applicable food safety regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation requirements, and company policies.
Equal Employment Opportunity
SOPAKCO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
EEO/M/F/D/V/VEVRAA
Requirements
Required
- Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience in food formulation, product development, pilot plant operations, or process development.
- Strong understanding of:
- Food chemistry
- Ingredient functionality
- Food microbiology
- Thermal processing
- Shelf-life evaluation
- Working knowledge of:
- FDA and USDA regulations
- GMPs
- HACCP
- Food labeling requirements
- Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
- Master's degree in food science or related field. Culinary skills are a big plus.
- Experience within consumer-packaged goods (CPG), shelf-stable foods, military rations, or food manufacturing.
- Experience supporting commercial product launches and plant scale-up.
- Knowledge of clean label, functional ingredients, plant-based foods, and emerging food technologies.
- Experience using laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, texture analyzers, moisture analyzers, or similar analytical equipment.
- Project management experience.
Core Competencies
Scientific Problem Solving
Uses scientific principles and sound technical judgment to solve formulation and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation
Applies creativity, market awareness, and technical expertise to develop commercially successful products.
Collaboration
Build strong partnerships across departments while communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
Seeks opportunities to improve products, processes, efficiencies, and overall business performance.
Attention to Detail
Produces accurate formulations, documentation, specifications, and technical reports while maintaining exceptional quality standards.