Formulation Scientist

NaturVet•Temecula, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Food Formulation Scientist is responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing animal supplement and other product formulations, ensuring that products meet taste, nutritional, functional, and regulatory standards. This role involves researching and formulating new products, improving existing formulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring new products from concept to market. The Formulation Scientist plays a key role in ensuring that the final products are safe, high-quality, and meet consumer preferences while complying with regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

This is an onsite position; remote work is not available.
Must be eligible to work for any Company in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, formulation techniques, and food safety regulations (FDA, UL, NASC).
Experience with sensory evaluation, product testing, and cost analysis, as well as ingredient sourcing.
Proficient in laboratory skills, data analysis, and preparing written and verbal reports.
Working knowledge of tablet presses, encapsulation, granulation, and blending equipment.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to apply scientific principles to develop or optimize formulations and manufacturing processes.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and strong time management skills.
Experience in the development of functional foods, dietary supplements, or nutraceuticals.
Familiarity with sustainable ingredients and clean-label product trends.
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in food formulation, product development, or a related field, preferably in the food manufacturing or consumer goods industry.

Nice To Haves

Experience with formulation software or lab equipment (preferred).
Experience with ERP systems (preferred).
Master’s degree in a field above is a plus.

Responsibilities

Product Development: Design, develop, and optimize new formulations based on market trends, consumer needs, and nutritional requirements. Create prototypes and test formulations for palatability, texture, functionality, and overall product appeal.
Ingredient Selection & Sourcing: Research and select ingredients that meet both functional and sensory requirements while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Evaluate ingredient manufacturers to ensure the quality and safety of raw materials.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all formulations comply with FDA, NASC, AAFCO, and other relevant regulations and guidelines. Work with the regulatory team to ensure products meet labeling requirements and nutritional standards.
Sensory Evaluation: Conduct sensory testing, including acceptability tests and consumer preference studies, to refine product formulations and ensure they align with market demands.
Nutritional Analysis: Analyze the nutritional content of formulations to ensure they meet desired health benefits and nutritional labeling requirements.
Process Optimization: Collaborate with production teams to optimize manufacturing processes for new formulations, ensuring scalability, consistency, and cost-efficiency.
Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve formulation-related issues during product development, production, and quality control stages.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, supply chain, quality assurance, and production teams to ensure successful product development and launch. Serve as a technical expert to support product and quality improvements, customer requests, cost savings initiatives, and the efficient utilization of the manufacturing facility.
Continuous Research & Innovation: Stay updated on food science trends, new ingredients, and emerging technologies. Implement innovative solutions to improve product quality, shelf life, and sustainability.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain thorough records of formulation data, test results, and development processes. Prepare technical documentation for internal and external use, including product specifications and reports.
Assist when needed during the evaluation, approval or rejection of all procedures, specifications, test methods and results that impact the purity, quality, and composition of an ingredient or product.
Assist when needed in performing internal audits.
Assist when needed in approving raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, and contract laboratories.