Senior Product Development Scientist

About Atrium:

Client Overview:

Our client is a leading pet nutrition company dedicated to developing innovative, science-based products that support the health and well-being of pets. Through cutting-edge research, formulation expertise, and a commitment to quality, the organization delivers best-in-class nutritional solutions to the global pet food market. They are currently looking to add a Senior Product Development Scientist to their team.

Salary/Hourly Rate: 

$90k – $110k DOE

Position Overview:

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Senior Product Development Scientist to join their R&D team and lead the development of innovative pet food products from concept through commercialization. This role is responsible for product formulation, scientific research, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality nutritional products that meet consumer needs and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in pet nutrition, formulation development, and product innovation, along with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities of the Senior Product Development Scientist:

• Develop and optimize pet food formulations and recipes.
• Lead new product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Manage project timelines and coordinate with cross-functional teams to achieve key milestones.
• Analyze laboratory testing data, HUT (Home Use Test) results, and consumer feedback.
• Conduct competitive product benchmarking and ingredient evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with AAFCO, FEDIAF, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to optimize product performance and quality.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior scientists and team members.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements, innovation, and process enhancements.
• Support domestic and international product development initiatives as needed.

Required Experience/Skills for the Senior Product Development Scientist:

• Minimum of 4 years of combined experience in scientific research, product development, and formulation development.
• Hands-on experience developing formulations and utilizing formulation software.
• Strong understanding of pet nutrition, ingredient functionality, flavor systems, textures, and sensory characteristics.
• Working knowledge of AAFCO and FEDIAF regulations and standards.
• Experience in analyzing laboratory, consumer, and product performance data.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across Technical and Non-Technical teams.
• Positive attitude toward leveraging approved AI tools to improve productivity and innovation.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the Senior Product Development Scientist:

• Experience in pet food, animal nutrition, food science, or consumer packaged goods industries.
• Experience with extrusion and/or retort manufacturing processes.
• Proven success leading new product innovation projects from concept to launch.
• Experience conducting sensory testing and ingredient evaluations.
• Previous mentoring, leadership, or project ownership experience.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Animal Science, Nutrition, or a related scientific discipline required.
• Master’s degree and/or advanced technical specialization in Nutrition or Food Science is preferred.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(K) with company match.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
   

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As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Candidates who apply for roles through the Atrium website will be added to our candidate pool and may be considered for additional roles of a similar title. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
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