Job Description

Our client, a leader in the functional ingredient and wellness sector, is seeking a Food Scientist to join their growing innovation team. This full-time, on-site position offers the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge natural ingredients and contribute to the development of novel, science-backed food and beverage applications. This role is ideal for a technically strong and creative scientist who enjoys turning complex formulation challenges into innovative, market-ready solutions.

The Food Scientist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and validate functional ingredient applications across a range of product categories. The ideal candidate combines a solid scientific foundation with an entrepreneurial mindset and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You’ll play a key role in driving innovation, ensuring food safety and quality standards are met, and supporting the successful commercialization of new ingredient solutions.

**This is a in person position located in San Diego, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize formulations using functional and natural ingredients across multiple applications (RTD beverages, powders, bars, confections, etc.)
• Design and execute experiments to test ingredient functionality, stability, and sensory performance in various product formats
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Sales, R&D, and Operations—to align formulations with customer and business goals
• Partner with co-manufacturers and suppliers to scale formulations and support commercialization
• Maintain accurate formulation data, documentation, and regulatory compliance records
• Present findings, recommendations, and technical insights to internal teams and external partners
• Support ongoing food safety, regulatory, and quality initiatives in alignment with industry standards (GFSI, HACCP, GMP, etc.)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline
• 3–5 years of hands-on formulation experience in food, beverage, or nutritional products
• Proven success in developing prototypes and scaling formulations for commercialization
• Familiarity with ingredient sourcing, testing, and functional performance validation
• Strong understanding of food safety and regulatory frameworks (FDA, cGMP, HACCP, BRCGS)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with extraction technologies or enzymatic processes is a plus

This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative and fast-growing company in the functional ingredient space, where science, wellness, and purpose intersect. If you’re passionate about advancing the future of functional foods and enjoy a hands-on, collaborative environment—this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Compensation: $90,000- $105,000 plus benefits

If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.

Kalon Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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