Senior R&D Food Scientist

Senior R&D Food Scientist

This role is onsite in McMinnville, Oregon.

• Lead end-to-end development of new bar products — from concept and formulation through scale-up and commercialization.
• Research and apply emerging ingredient and processing technologies to deliver innovative flavor, texture, and nutritional profiles.
• Maintain an extensive “recipe library” of proven formulations, leveraging it to streamline development and reduce time-to-market.
• Identify and implement cost savings and process improvements without compromising product quality.
• Monitor industry and consumer trends to inform the innovation pipeline and anticipate market shifts.
• Partner with internal teams in Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Marketing to ensure seamless transition from lab to production.
• Provide technical expertise to troubleshoot formulation or manufacturing challenges.
• Ensure all products meet food safety, labeling, and regulatory standards.
• Represent R&D in customer and cross-functional meetings, effectively communicating technical findings and project updates.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by mentoring junior scientists and sharing best practices across teams.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in bar manufacturing (protein, snack, energy, fruit, meal replacement, or confectionery).
• Demonstrated success in developing and commercializing new products in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
• Proven ability to innovate independently — proactively identifying opportunities and solutions without heavy direction.
• Strong understanding of food ingredients, formulation science, and processing methods specific to bar production.
• Experience balancing creativity with operational efficiency and scalability.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliance and product labeling requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Genesis R&D or similar formulation software preferred.
• Ability to work both in laboratory and production settings, including environments with major allergens.

Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Vander Houwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in e-Verify. Vander Houwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.