Accepting applications until: July 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Location: ELMWOOD PARK, NJ 074070220
Pay Rate: $88,000.00 - $92,000.00 Annually
Position Description
TITLE: FOOD SCIENTIST
Department: Research and Development Reports To: Sr. Manager of R&D Innovation
Location: Plant Travel required: Minimal; occasional travel may be required
About The Company
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods® was founded in 1994 with the mission to create nutritious and convenient frozen food that tasted so delicious, it would make it easier to help people adopt better eating habits. While the world has changed since the business started, Dr. Praeger’s remains true to its founders’ vision. We’re grounded in using real, recognizable ingredients to make great-tasting products that families love.
We are passionate about food and fueled by our desire to make healthier living more delicious. Our mission is pioneering to increase veggie consumption by making it easy to choose crave-able, veggie-forward food.
Job Description
Scope of Role:
Dr. Praeger’s is a unique fast-moving, collaborative and results driven environment. With that said, we are looking for a Food scientist to join the Research and Development team. The primary responsibilities of this scientist will be to provide technical expertise and guidance related to the creation, launch and maintenance of our branded products.
Primary Roles
Actively drives product commercialization from concept to launch, supporting food service, retail, and private sector business channels.
Serves as the R&D point of contact, leading and coordinating technical activities for development projects in collaboration with the project manager to ensure all deliverables are achieved
Provides support to improve manufacturing efficiency, enhance quality, and assist in resolving customer inquiries and complaints.
Role And Responsibilities
Work with internal and external customers to deliver new product concepts that meet design specifications in a timely manner.
Plans, coordinates, and executes product development activities—including sample preparation, trial management, ingredient sourcing, and product maintenance—while supporting and leading departmental initiatives that drive continuous improvement across the development process, including plant trials and sample requests.
Accurately observes, records, analyzes and reports development data to meet project and customer objectives.
Supports adherence to development processes and compliance requirements while effectively utilizing systems, with a strong understanding of and alignment to Stage Gate principles for development projects.
Demonstrate good understanding of quality control and quality assurance methods and standards.
Ensures compliance with plant safety standards, regulatory requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices, while maintaining the necessary competencies to support product legality, safety, and quality in alignment with the Quality Policy and GFSI standards.
Ability to work off shifts as needed. Some travel may be required.
Qualifications For Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Processing/Engineering or related field
3 Plus years of product development experience in a food manufacturing company.
Technical knowledge of food manufacturing processes, equipment, packaging
Knowledge of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance principles related to formulation.
Proven leadership abilities include accountability, resilience, and a strong focus on team success.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Demonstrated sense of urgency and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage audiences ranging from staff to executive leadership.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills using data to draw conclusions and implement solutions
Ability to work independently or as part of a team to accomplish organization goals.
Proficiency using a personal computer (PC) and related software, ideally Microsoft Office Software and Tools.
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics or other characteristics protected by law.
