Job Description

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bridgewater, NJ

Workplace Type: On-Site/Hybrid (4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote)

The Associate, Product Development & Food Design, Protein Fortification will contribute to the development and application of innovative protein ingredients by bridging fundamental ingredient science with category‑specific product design, with a primary emphasis on Savory applications. This role is designed for a scientist with strong technical curiosity and problem‑solving orientation. The Associate will focus on translating validated customer needs into fit‑for‑purpose technical solutions, ensuring innovations are relevant, scalable, and commercially impactful. Working within the Global Applications / Product Development & Food Design team, the role supports Ingredion’s growth by delivering protein‑enabled solutions that resonate with customers and perform reliably in real‑world food systems.

What you will do:

• Translate validated customer and market needs into clear technical problem statements and application‑ready protein‑fortified solutions.
• Apply protein ingredient science (structure–function, processing, formulation behavior) to address category‑specific challenges related to texture, flavor delivery, nutrition, cost‑in‑use, and process robustness.
• Support development of differentiated protein‑based ingredients and prototypes aligned with business strategy and customer value propositions.
• Design and execute targeted experiments; analyze data to generate structure–function insights and deliver clear, actionable technical recommendations.
• Develop and optimize formulations and customized solutions from bench to pilot‑ready prototypes in collaboration with Category Applications, Process, and Technical Service teams.
• Contribute as a technical team member on cross‑functional projects, supporting planning, execution, and on‑time milestone delivery.
• Provide concise, audience‑appropriate technical input for customer interactions, internal reviews, and innovation discussions.
• Use digital formulation tools, data platforms, and workflows to design and analyze experiments, capture and apply technical insights, and strengthen formulation capability across the organization.
• Build depth in protein fortification technologies while expanding Savory application expertise; stay current on emerging technologies and competitive landscape.
• Engage with external partners, suppliers, and industry forums to broaden technical perspective and professional network.

​What you will bring:

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a closely related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in product development, applications, or applied research.
• Hands‑on experience with food formulation and experimental design; experience with protein ingredients and/or Savory applications is a strong plus.
• Foundational knowledge of protein chemistry and functionality and their impact on food system performance.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze data, and translate results into clear, actionable technical conclusions.
• Working knowledge of food formulation, processing, and scale‑up considerations in commercial environments.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with focus on real customer challenges and practical solutions.
• Demonstrates ownership, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous growth in technical, formulation, and product development expertise.

Who you are:

• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working across disciplines, functions, and geographies.
• Clear technical communicator, able to translate complex science into insights and recommendations that support decision‑making.
• Able to engage and build working relationships effectively with diverse stakeholders across functions and levels of the organization.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Pay Range:

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.