About the Role:

CFS North America is seeking an experienced Food Technologist to join our solutions-driven R&D and Food Applications team. This role will support formulation and testing initiatives across our emulsifier product portfolio and a diverse range of functional ingredients, including algae-based ingredients, functional starches and plant fibers, antioxidants, antimicrobials, salt reduction ingredients, plant-based flavors, cheese analogues, ingredients for meat, dressings, and sauces, as well as technological premixes for pastry and dessert fillings. This position requires a hands-on technical professional who is passionate about food science, culinology and product development, with strong formulation and analytical skills to support both internal innovation and customer-facing projects. This position will report to the Scientific Manager.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and optimize formulations using the company’s ingredient portfolio in applications such as bakery, dairy alternatives, dressings, sauces, meats, savory fillings, cakes, and desserts.
• Own the development, formulation and creation of various bakery products, ensuring they meet company standards for quality, taste and functionality.
• Design and execute bench-top experiments and pilot trials.
• Analyze and document performance characteristics (e.g., texture, flavor, shelf life) of prototypes and final products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, and Production to support customer-driven projects and internal R&D goals.
• Support the development of technical documentation such as formulation guides, process specifications, and application notes.
• Formulate and prepare test samples for new products, refining formulations to meet market and manufacturing needs.
• Execute bench-top formulations and pilot trials in coordination with the Technical Services Manager and cross-functional partners.
• Conduct ingredient testing, product evaluations, competitive benchmarking, sensory studies, and shelf-life testing to ensure product quality, taste, and performance.
• Conduct bench trials on meat products to evaluate the effects of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents on quality, safety, shelf-life, and sensory attributes.
• Support troubleshooting of processing or formulation challenges during product development and scale-up.
• Conduct any necessary food application work related to research and product development, including formulation, testing, and evaluation.
• Provide hands-on support for all types of food application activities, including sample preparation, ingredient integration, and process trials.
• Monitor trends in bakery, meat, culinary, dairy, plant-based alternatives, and broader food technology to contribute innovative ideas to the product pipeline.
• Support the creation of nutritional panels, ingredient declarations, and R&D documentation for new product development
• Maintain accurate and effective records of R&D activities, including formulations, ingredient evaluations, plant trial requests, and trial reports.
• Conduct bench top and/or pilot plant trial work and adjust processing parameters and formulations to achieve the desired product outcome.
• Evaluate finished products against predefined targets and goals for taste, texture, appearance, and labeling requirements
• Execute pilot lab runs and validation trials to support product scale-up.
• Lead the development and application of functional emulsifier blends to meet customer requirements and market trends.
• Provide culinary and technical expertise to support the formulation and optimization of products, enhancing their sensory appeal and functional performance.
• Serve as a key culinary and technical resource during customer presentations, product demonstrations, and technical training sessions.
• Communicate technical results clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain inventories of supplies and stock levels required for laboratory use.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and tools are maintained in a clean, safe, and functional condition.
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Support general housekeeping and maintenance of the laboratory.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

What You Bring:

Must have working knowledge of the following:

• Dough rheology, fermentation, and the baking process
• Ingredient categories such as grains, flours, starches, hydrocolloids, enzymes, sweeteners, fibers, proteins, lipids, emulsifiers, preservatives, and leavening agents
• Industrial processes related to bakery and/or food products
• Equipment used in mixing, dividing, proofing, and baking (e.g., mixers, dividers, proofers, ovens)
• Emulsifier applications
• Hydrocolloid applications
• Starch chemistry
• Regulatory requirements in the food industry
• Nutrition science

• Sensory evaluation techniques

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, Culinology, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the bakery segment of the CPG industry.
• Working knowledge of bakery ingredient functionality and processing methods.
• Hands-on experience with benchtop and scale-up/production formulation work.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and technical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation, food safety standards, and labeling requirements.

• Knowledge of laboratory tests and analyses
• Knowledge of laboratory terminology and equipment
• Ability to handle multiple samples and laboratory equipment
• Able to effectively contribute to a dynamic and often fast-paced, high-pressure work environment
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to adapt to situations as they arise
• Strong work ethics
• Must be proficient with MS Office programs including Excel
• General awareness of laboratory practices, basis statistics and product quality would be useful

• Some physical labor will be required including lifting, up to 30-50 lbs, cleaning of laboratory and handling of shipments of products from vendors and customers. 
• Manual dexterity for lab work and ingredient handling. 
• Ability to stand for extended periods in lab/kitchen environments. 

Benefits CFS Provides You:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• 401K with up to a 4% employer match
• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus eligibility
• Professional development
• Career advancement opportunities
• Paid Time Off & 10 Paid holidays
• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, AD&D coverage

Relocation Package:

This position is based in Urbandale, Iowa. Candidates must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance will be offered, if required. Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.

Join Camlin Fine Sciences and contribute to the science behind better, safer, and more flavorful food systems.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected].

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.