- Experience
- 3+ yrs
- Salary
- USD 88,000 – USD 92,000 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 1 week ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree
- Eligibility
- Qualified candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant food manufacturing product development experience may apply. The role is based onsite in Elmwood Park, NJ, and candidates should be prepared for occasional travel and off-shift work as needed.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Role overview
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is seeking a Food Scientist to join its Research and Development team at the Elmwood Park, NJ plant. The role supports the creation, launch, and ongoing upkeep of branded products, with technical guidance across development and commercialization. The position reports to the Sr. Manager of R&D Innovation and involves minimal travel, though occasional travel may be needed.
About the company
Founded in 1994, Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods was built around the idea of making nutritious frozen foods that are both convenient and genuinely enjoyable to eat. The company focuses on real, familiar ingredients and continues to work toward its mission of encouraging healthier eating by making veggie-forward foods more appealing.
Key responsibilities
- Move products from concept through commercialization, supporting food service, retail, and private sector channels.
- Act as the R&D liaison, coordinating technical work with the project manager so project milestones and deliverables are met.
- Contribute to manufacturing efficiency, product quality improvements, and responses to customer questions and complaints.
- Partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop new product ideas that satisfy design targets and deadlines.
- Organize and carry out development work such as sample creation, trial coordination, ingredient sourcing, and product maintenance.
- Support plant trials and sample requests while helping improve the overall development workflow.
- Track, analyze, document, and present development data accurately to support project and customer goals.
- Follow development procedures, systems, and Stage Gate practices for projects.
- Apply quality control and quality assurance knowledge to development work.
- Maintain compliance with plant safety rules, regulatory requirements, GMP, product legality, food safety, and GFSI standards.
- Be available to work off shifts when required and travel occasionally.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, food processing/engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- At least 3 years of product development experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of food manufacturing processes, equipment, and packaging.
- Understanding of food safety and regulatory compliance as they relate to formulation.
- Strong leadership traits including accountability, resilience, and commitment to team outcomes.
- Ability to use scientific or logical reasoning to solve practical and technical problems.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced setting with urgency and sound judgment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak with both frontline teams and senior leadership.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with experience using data to reach conclusions and recommend solutions.
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively to meet organizational objectives.
- Proficiency with a PC and software tools, especially Microsoft Office.
Additional information
Applications are accepted until July 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. The role is based in Elmwood Park, NJ 074070220, on-site at the plant. Compensation is $88,000 to $92,000 per year.
Equal opportunity statement
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or other legally protected characteristics.