Product Development Application ScientistThe Product Development Application Scientist supports the development, optimization, and commercialization of new and existing products across powdered beverages, powdered supplements, and bar formats. This role works cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Packaging to ensure formulations are scalable, compliant, and aligned with production capabilities.This position is responsible for executing product development activities from benchtop through commercialization, supporting plant trials, and contributing to continuous product improvement through technical expertise and collaboration.Responsibilities and ExpectationsDevelop and formulate new products and line extensions across powders and bar applicationsCreate benchtop and pilot-scale samples for internal evaluation, customer review, and lab testingBuild bulk samples to support stability, sensory, and analytical testingSupport product scale-up activities, including bar trials and production runsAssist in troubleshooting product and process issues during development and commercializationCollaborate with Operations to evaluate how formulations perform on production equipment; provide recommendations for improvementsAssist in building and validating production targets to align R&D and manufacturing outputsReview batch sheets to confirm alignment with formulation, label claims, and quality standardsConduct and support shelf-life and stability testing programsSupport label review activities for R&D, ensuring alignment between formulation, claims, and regulatory requirementsCreate and maintain Nutrition Facts Panels (NFPs) and Supplement Facts Panels (SFPs) for new and existing productsEvaluate raw material documentation (COAs, specifications, allergen statements) to support compliance and formulation accuracyApply knowledge of ingredient functionality, macro composition, potency, and overages in formulation developmentCollaborate with the Packaging Engineer on packaging validation and testing to support product integrity and shelf-life performanceMaintain accurate documentation of formulations, trials, and results within internal systemsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or related field5+ years of experience in product development within food, beverage, or dietary supplement manufacturingExperience with powdered products and/or nutritional barsWorking knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and PPE requirementsExperience supporting product scale-up from benchtop to productionTechnical Skills & KnowledgeStrong understanding of:Nutritional macros and ingredient functionalityPotency, overages, and formulation accuracyFood and dietary supplement labeling regulations (FDA compliant)Ability to review and interpret:Raw material specifications and technical documentsCertificates of Analysis (COAs)Basic understanding of packaging fundamentals, including material compatibility and shelf-life impactAbility to identify and help resolve formulation and processing challenges in a production environmentSystems & ToolsProficiency in:Microsoft OutlookSmartsheetMicrosoft SharePointGenesis R&D (or similar formulation software)Core CompetenciesStrong problem-solving and troubleshooting skillsDetail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and complianceAbility to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced environmentEffective cross-functional communication and collaborationHands-on, team-oriented approach with a willingness to support plant activitiesPreferred ExperienceExperience in a contract manufacturing (co-man) environmentExposure to customer-facing product development processesExperience with functional ingredients, sports nutrition, or specialty formulationsScope of ProductsPowdered beveragesPowdered dietary supplementsNutritional and functional barsWork Environment:This position is on the manufacturing floor almost constantly. Exposure to allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans is likely.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.