Job Description

Food ScientistAt Furmano Foods, you join a value-driven company with a legacy built on farm, faith, and family since 1921. We are dedicated to producing quality, shelf-stable foods while nurturing our employees, community, and the environment. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact while contributing to a culture of quality, service, and sustainability.The Food Scientist will join Furmano Foods' growth-oriented, manufacturing-centered organization. The person selected for this role is responsible for thermal processing safety, product development, and finished product quality testing. This position combines regulatory thermal process authority accountability with product development leadership. As a working leader, this individual will serve as a coach, a technical problem-solver, and a steward of Furmano's culture. They will lead a team of lab support staff, driving improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety—all while modeling Furmano's core values of safety, gratitude, honesty, kindness, diligence, unity, and stick-to-it-iveness.Leads product development projects from concept through commercializationEnsures plant thermal processing systems remain compliant with all regulatory requirementsDevelops and validates new formulations, reformulations, and cost improvement initiativesSupports shelf-stable product innovation within our canned and thermally processed portfolioFood safety is the responsibility of every employee and must be immediately escalated to supervision if concerns arise.Core Responsibilities – Thermal Process Authority & Regulatory ComplianceDevelop and implement thermal process systemsAssure plant batch and continuous retorts operate in regulatory complianceParticipate in development of thermal processes for new/improved productsEvaluate heat penetration data and process deviationsPrepare regulatory correspondence and reportsSupport plant audits and regulatory inspectionsCore Responsibilities – Product Development & CommercializationDevelop/test formulas for new products, quality improvements, and cost reductionsExecute plant trials and validationsConduct shelf-life studies and sensory evaluationsReformulate products for taste, nutrition, compliance, or costTroubleshoot production and quality issuesDocumentation & Systems ManagementMaintain PLM specifications and nutrition software dataReview and approve labels and nutritional claimsMaintain accurate formulation and trial documentationLead finished product testing and grading laboratory and team membersMaintain laboratory inventory and ensure GMP complianceSupport production record review as neededCross-Functional LeadershipCollaborate with Quality, Culinary, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and OperationsProvide quantitative insights to support continuous improvement initiativesQualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field3–5 years of food R&D experienceExperience leading and supporting thermal processing operationsPreferred:5+ years as a Process Authority in an acidified and/or low-acid canning operationExperience with canned sauces, beans, soups, chili, tomato products, etc.Experience with Canning, UHT, and Aseptic OperationsCulinary experiencePersonal CharacteristicsEven temperament and ethical conductStrong communication skillsTeam-oriented mindsetAbility to thrive in a fast-paced environmentPassion for food innovation and continuous improvementStrong commitment to product safety and qualityPhysical RequirementsFrequent standing and walking in lab/production environmentsOccasional pushing/pulling of cartsManual dexterity requiredSkills & AbilitiesStrong problem-solving and analytical skills; comfortable with interpreting data.Technically competentStrong interpersonal and communication skills; a team builder and a coach.Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.Computer literacy required (e.g., MS Office, ERP systems, Ignition, Adage, etc.).Benefits401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceEmployee assistance programEmployee discountFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceHealth savings accountLife insurancePaid time offReferral programRetirement planVision insuranceOnsite nurseCorporate ChaplainDependent Scholarship Assistant ProgramAbility to CommuteNorthumberland, PA 17857 (Required)Ability to RelocateNorthumberland, PA 17857: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)Employment DisclaimerThis position is considered 'at-will', meaning employment can be terminated at any time by either party, with or without notice, and for any reason not prohibited by law.Furmano Foods is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate to meet the needs of the organization.

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