Position | R&D Scientist |
Department | Research and Development |
Manager | Director of R&D |
Job Type | (DOL Status) |
Location | Burlington, NC |
Job Details
Company Background
Alamance is recognized as a leading manufacturer of aerosol whipped cream, flavored drinks, freeze pops, and bottled water, offering beloved brands like Classic Cream, Fun Pops, Coffee Toppers, Whipt, and Groovy Glacier. We produce, pack and ship private labels based on customer specific needs. An innovative company with proven experience in creating exciting new products that redefine what is possible in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an innovative and driven R&D Scientist to join our team focusing on Food Service and Internal Development. This individual will lead development projects from concept through commercialization, emphasizing food service customer solutions and continuous improvement of our aerosol product line.
The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of hands-on experience in food & beverage product development, strong project management skills, and a desire to grow within a collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in dairy, non-dairy, and aerosol technologies.
This role requires active external communication with food service partners and close collaboration with our R&D Corporate Chef to bring innovative solutions to life.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead development of new food service products, line extensions, and internal aerosol innovation projects.
- Translate customer and business needs into technically feasible and commercially viable solutions.
- Manage multiple projects ensuring timelines, technical milestones, and scale-up success.
- Develop expertise in formulation, functionality, and manufacturing requirements across product categories.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, QA, and Commercialization teams.
- Conduct benchtop and pilot plant testing, analyze data, and refine prototypes based on feedback.
- Participate in external customer meetings, technical discussions, and product presentations.
- Work with the R&D Corporate Chef to develop food service concepts and finished product applications.
- Stay current on emerging trends, technologies, and competitive landscape.
- Document formulas, processes, and technical findings in accordance with internal protocols.
Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in Food Science or related field.
- 1-3 years of relevant R&D experience in food & beverage product development. Experience with aerosol, dairy, or non-dairy systems preferred.
- Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, food formulation, and processing.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Experience in customer-facing communication or external collaboration preferred.
- Open-minded and adaptable to company-specific practices.
- Comfortable working hands-on in lab, pilot, and plant settings.
Education/Training/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science or related discipline.
Related Experience:
- 1 to 3 years in food & beverage product development with exposure to dairy, non-dairy, or aerosol technologies.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience:
- Product formulation and processing expertise.
- Project management and cross-functional collaboration.
- Customer communication and presentation skills.
Travel Requirements:
- Occasional travel to customer sites and external meetings as needed.
Physical Requirements:
- Standing
- Walking
- Sitting
- Use of hands, fingers
- Reaching with hands and arms
- Climb and balance
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
- Talk and hear
- Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
- Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
- Peripheral vision (ability to observe areas outside direct line of sight)
- Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.
Employment Eligibility: Alamance Foods Inc. participates in the federal E-Verify program. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Form I-9 and verification of authorization to work in the United States.