Sr. Research & Development Scientist

What’s it like to work at Kinder’s? Well, there’s a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that, there’s also plenty of hard work. Because we don’t just like flavor, we’re obsessed with it.

With over 100 products sold nationwide, we’re now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. We’re not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need more smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you’re looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work...
this is it! Every day, you’ll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.

How You’ll Have Impact at Kinder’s: The Senior R&D Scientist will report to the VP of R&D and will be a key technical leader within the organization. This individual will be instrumental in driving key long-term R&D projects while also supporting our mission to deliver best-in-class speed to market and quality of new innovations. In this role, you will work on complex technical challenges, collaborate with internal and external partners, and apply your deep knowledge of food science to create best-in-class products that delight our consumers and set new standards of what is possible in the categories that we choose to enter.

Technical Innovation & Research

• Lead the evaluation and qualification of new ingredients, including novel flavor components and functional ingredients such as preservatives, hydrocolloids, and natural antimicrobial agents with a focus on driving clean-label standards without compromising performance.
• Identify and translate emerging food science and technology trends into actionable, long-term innovation platforms.
• Establish / manage strategic development projects with third-party research partners, including ingredient suppliers, independent R&D organizations, and academic institutions, to accelerate innovation.
• Be a subject matter expert, providing insights / guidance to cross‑functional teams on formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality.
• Lead complex new product development projects from concept through commercialization, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of food science, packaging, formulation, and manufacturing processes.
• Design / execute experiments, from benchtop prototypes to plant trials, ensuring products meet quality, sensory, and shelf‑life standards.
• Develop and maintain accurate product specifications, formulations, and processing parameters.
• Collaborate closely with Commercialization, Innovation, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure the seamless launch of new products.

Product Optimization & Quality Enhancement

• Support long‑term product optimization projects focused on enhancing quality, scalability, clean‑label standards, and flavor.
• Lead technical initiatives to improve product performance, including shelf‑stability and freshness, across our diverse portfolio.
• Apply scientific principles to troubleshoot and resolve complex product, sourcing, or production challenges.
• Partner with the Sourcing and Operations teams to identify and approve alternative ingredients and process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Coordination

• Partner closely with cross‑functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Commercialization, Operations, and Quality) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
• Provide clear communication on risks / opportunities to senior leadership.
• Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience:

• 10+ years of hands‑on R&D and / or product development experience in the CPG food and / or ingredients industry. Experience in seasonings, sauces, marinades, frozen foods, or related product categories is a…