R&D Product Development Scientist

Alamance Foods Inc


Date: 1 week ago
City: Burlington, NC
Contract type: Full time
R&D Scientist Job Description

About Alamance Foods

At Alamance Foods, we believe in pushing the boundaries of food innovation. From our roots as Melville Dairy to becoming a leader in aerosol whipped cream, freezer pops, and more, we’ve grown into a bold and agile company committed to doing what’s never been done before. As both a trusted co-manufacturer and the creator of beloved brands like Classic Cream, Fun Pops, Coffee Toppers, and Whipt, we’re driven by a passion for creating delight through food.

Our team thrives on curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration—bringing new ideas to life that surprise and excite consumers. Join us as we reimagine what’s possible in food and beverage.

Position Overview

We are seeking a curious, creative, and hands-on R&D Product Development Scientist Associate to help drive the next generation of innovative food products at Alamance Foods. This role is critical in translating ideas into real products, supporting both internal brand development and private label initiatives. You will collaborate across teams to create food experiences that are unique, craveable, and technically sound—playing a direct role in building our future.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and support product development from concept through commercialization across multiple food categories.
  • Formulate and optimize products to meet taste, texture, quality, regulatory, and cost requirements.
  • Design and execute lab and pilot-scale experiments, interpreting results to guide next steps.
  • Conduct sensory evaluations and leverage insights to refine product performance.
  • Track industry trends and emerging ingredients to fuel pipeline ideation and inform strategic direction.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, marketing, procurement, and QA to ensure project feasibility and alignment.
  • Engage with suppliers to identify novel ingredients and technologies that can unlock new capabilities.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and development records to support technical transfer and scale-up.
  • Proactively seek opportunities to streamline processes and improve product outcomes.

Who You Are

  • A problem-solver who thinks creatively and isn't afraid to experiment.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities.
  • A clear communicator who thrives in cross-functional collaboration.
  • Excited by the challenge of turning ideas into first-of-their-kind products.
  • Driven by curiosity and committed to continuous learning.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 0–2 years of experience in the food industry (internship or co-op experience preferred)
  • Familiarity with dairy and/or dairy alternatives
  • Experience in leadership or team-based roles is a plus.

Additional Skills

  • Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to occasionally work flexible hours to support production trials or testing.

Benefits

  • Base salary starting at $60,000/yr
  • Medical, dental, and eye insurance*
  • 2 weeks of vacation, 2 floating holidays*
  • 7 company holidays
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Available after 90 days of employment

Our Company

Alamance Foods is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Alamance Foods. Please contact Alamance Foods Human Resources department if you need assistance completing this application or to other participate in the application process.

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