We’re looking for an Extrusion Scientist / SME to lead extrusion strategy and execution across our emerging Just Meat platform. This role will sit at HQ but serve as the company’s in-house extrusion expert, partnering closely with our co-manufacturing network to ensure consistent, high-quality production at scale.

You will play a critical role in translating product innovation into manufacturable reality — owning extrusion process development, troubleshooting, and optimization to deliver best-in-class texture, performance, and efficiency. This is a highly cross-functional role spanning R&D, Operations, and external manufacturing partners.

What You’ll Do

Own extrusion expertise for Just Meat and future platforms, serving as the internal SME on high-moisture and/or low-moisture extrusion processes.
Lead process development and scale-up from bench to pilot to full commercial manufacturing, ensuring successful technology transfer to co-manufacturers.
Partner directly with co-manufacturing facilities — spending meaningful time onsite — to oversee production runs, troubleshoot issues in real time, and drive continuous improvement.
Optimize extrusion parameters (e.g., moisture, temperature, shear, die configuration) to achieve target texture, structure, and product performance.
Collaborate with Product Development to ensure formulations are designed for manufacturability and aligned with extrusion capabilities.
Drive root-cause analysis and problem-solving for production challenges, including variability in raw materials, process deviations, and scale-related issues.
Establish process standards and documentation to ensure repeatability, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing partners.
Evaluate and implement new technologies and ingredients to advance product quality and expand capabilities in alternative protein systems.
Support broader product innovation efforts as needed, particularly where extrusion is a key enabler.
Travel regularly to co-manufacturing partners to support commercialization, production runs, and ongoing optimization.

What You’ll Bring

Master’s or PhD in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
3-5 + years of hands-on extrusion experience, ideally within plant-based or alternative protein systems.
Deep expertise in high-moisture extrusion (strongly preferred) and/or textured vegetable protein (TVP) processes.
Proven track record of scaling extrusion-based products from development to commercial production, including work with co-manufacturers.
Strong understanding of structure-function relationships in protein systems and how they translate through extrusion.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot live manufacturing environments and drive process improvements under real-world constraints.
Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, and Quality teams.
Willingness and ability to travel on a monthly cadence to manufacturing sites.
Clear communicator who can translate technical insights into actionable direction for diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Just Food Company

Be at the forefront of building a new category in alternative protein.
Own a high-impact technical domain that is critical to the success of our Just Meat platform.
Work in a lean, highly collaborative environment where you can see the direct impact of your work on products and the broader mission.
Partner closely with leadership and manufacturing teams to shape how we scale and execute.

Compensation: The expected base salary range for this role (based in Emeryville, CA) is $135,000 - $165,000.

Additional Information & Requirements

This is a full-time onsite role (5 days/week) at our headquarters in Emeryville, CA.
This role requires unrestricted domestic and international travel up to 30%
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Just Food Company participates in E-Verify.

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