Food Technologist at Custom Ingredients, Inc. – San Clemente, California

Position Summary and Purpose: The Food Technologist will play a key role in the development, implementation, and optimization of food applications, focusing on beverages, confectionery, and nutraceutical products. This position is responsible for hands-on work in the lab while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful creation of food product formulas that meet customer specifications and industry standards. The Food Technologist will assist in the maintenance of a flavor library as well as an ingredient library.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Accurately compound formulas by weight and ingredients, ensuring the best methodology is applied based on the product type or mix.
• Reverse engineer food products, particularly in beverages, bars, and nutraceuticals, to develop competitive offerings for customers.
• Develop and optimize food product applications, such as beverages, confections, gummies, bars, and nutraceuticals, by conducting experiments and providing technical expertise in line with project guidelines and customer needs.
• Perform evaluations and tests on food applications and ingredients, utilizing sensory analysis and analytical instruments (e.g., pH meters, refractometers, density, and refractive index tests).
• Troubleshoot formulation and application challenges to ensure product stability and quality.
• Collaborate with customers to refine formulations based on test results and feedback, and support scale-up processes.
• Assist in managing an ingredient and flavor library, along with standard formulas for various applications.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations, test results, and sensory evaluations.
• Provide technical application support to customers, addressing issues and ensuring successful product development.
• Adhere to GMP and safety standards to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment, ensuring proper inventory management.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovations in food products through continuous learning.
• Perform additional tasks assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge of food science principles, food chemistry, and formulation techniques.
• Proficient in sensory analysis, ingredient functionality, and product stability testing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Problem-solving with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard lab equipment (pipettes, scales, meters, etc.).
• Ability to provide clear and concise technical reports and documentation.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage competing priorities.

Physical Demands:

The physical responsibilities described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, as well as talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to regularly use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and climb stairs. The position requires the ability to occasionally lift, push, or pull office and lab products and supplies up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• The position works in a lab and office settings. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets and fax machines, and standard lab equipment such as pipettes, scales, meters. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, or related field required.
• 2+ years of food applications experience required.