Product Development Technologist I

Summary

Join Once Upon A Farm as a Product Development Technologist and contribute to improving childhood nutrition. This remote role reports to the Senior Director of R&D and involves supporting product development activities, including formulation, benchtop work, and sensory evaluation. You will prepare prototypes, analyze samples, develop product specifications, and conduct consumer testing. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including supply chain and quality, is essential. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 1+ years of product development experience. This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a remote-first work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or another related field required
• Must reside in the United States to be considered for this position

Responsibilities

• Support the Product Development Team with formulation development and optimization, product kitchen trials, production trials, sample evaluation, and other assistance when and where needed
• Prepare benchtop prototypes when needed and assist in analyzing using a variety of methods available in the R&D test kitchen
• Prepare product specifications, set up formulas, and write technical reports and test run plans
• Assist in creating circulating document change control forms for recipes and finished products
• Assist in consumer sensory testing for pre- and post-launch products
• Work with Supply Chain to solve sensory issues that arise from consumer complaints, internal tastings, etc., and submit recommendations for approval
• Support sensory tasting events, including the analytical and physical evaluation and sample preparation. Build test protocols, recruit internal tasters, execute tastings, and document results accurately and in a timely manner
• Register all benchtop samples into a database with appropriate analytics, including Ph, Brix, Viscosity, and other product parameters
• Ensure kitchen supplies, ingredients, and raw materials are on hand and within the specified shelf life for use
• Assist in procuring all raw materials for kitchen trials and packaging and maintaining inventory
• Calibrate and maintain kitchen equipment such as Ph meters, thermometers, and scales
• Maintain a professional and clean working environment for benchtop: Clean and organize, keeping physical samples, files, and record data appropriately
• Support coordination of buying/receipt and review of samples from competitors for testing and evaluation
• Follow all human and food safety policies when performing your job, including bench work, sample preparation, and plant trials
• Support the Product Development Team during co-manufacturer plant trials for commercialization of new manufacturers and products to implement formula changes/improvements
• Coordinate sample shipments for benchtop
• Develop product nutrition and ingredient information for product labels. Assist in creating and maintaining NFPs for all new products, including upkeep of a database for new ingredients
• Verify NFPs in packing review cycles
• Work with Quality to verify the accuracy of product label ingredient declarations and nutrition facts panels prior to printing for preprinted labeling
• Maintain documentation for nutritional labeling, ingredient labeling, regulatory, and claim substantiation, including Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, and Clean Label

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of product development experience preferred
• Prior professional experience in sensory activities preferred
• Flavor Studio experience preferred
• Previous exposure to cross-functional work between Sustainability and Product Development preferred
• Good organizational and time management skills with fine attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative group setting, knowing how to be a team player
• Excellent sense of punctuality and the ability to follow instructions
• Strong desire to keep work area clean and organized, possessing superior organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to think quickly and independently, conversationally agile
• Prior professional experience gathering, processing, interpreting, and telling a story with data
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Outlook, Slack, and other professional platforms
• Genuine passion for improving childhood nutrition for a healthier and happier planet
• Desire to contribute to a dynamic high-growth, purpose-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguity, deeply understand business needs, develop a cohesive strategy, and make decisions requiring a high level of judgment

Benefits

• Remote-first work environment
• Annual Bonus
• 401(k) program + 4% company match after three months
• New Hire Remote Life Stipend + annual Nourish and Nurture Allowance
• Monthly Cell and Internet Stipend
• Quarterly Farm-to-Fridge home deliveries and Employee Discounts
• New Parents: Up to 18 weeks of paid Parental Leave, Baby Steps Back To Work, 3 months’ supply of Once Upon A Farm products, and breast milk shipping service and support for those who travel after birth for the duration of your breastfeeding journey
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Paid Time Off to fulfill civic responsibilities including jury duty and voting in local, state, and national elections
• Medical Insurance for the employee covered at 100% on select plans, with additional plan options at a reduced cost to the employee
• Vision and Dental Insurance covered at 100% for the employee and dependents
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending account (Medical & Dependent Care) and Health savings accounts for applicable plans
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• All other benefits, leaves, and insurance as required by law, based on your specific residence