Associate R&D Chemist

Job Title: Associate R&D Chemist

Location: San Fernando, CA | Onsite

Employment Type: Temp to Hire

Schedule: Full-Time, M-F

Compensation: $30–$35 per hour

Company Overview:

A well-established food manufacturing organization specializing in flavor development and ingredient solutions. The company focuses on innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration to develop high-quality products that meet evolving customer and industry needs.

Job Summary:

The Associate R&D Chemist is responsible for developing, improving, and testing new and existing products using various raw materials and formulations. This role supports product development initiatives, conducts competitive product matching, and collaborates closely with Quality, Production, and Sales teams. The position requires strong analytical skills, creativity in formulation, and the ability to translate technical concepts into practical product solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and improve new and existing products based on customer or internal requirements
• Conduct product matching against competitive products provided by customers or internal teams
• Perform costing analysis on products developed
• Create master formulas and compounding instructions
• Prepare product specification sheets for customer submission
• Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to verify product performance
• Evaluate prototypes and direct testing activities
• Collaborate with Quality Control and Production during first-time manufacturing of new products
• Assist in establishing procedures for sample preparation and distribution
• Support sample request inquiries when needed
• Provide technical assistance to customers and sales representatives as required
• Assess feasibility of product development projects based on operational and technical constraints
• Maintain regular communication with internal teams including Quality Control, Production, and Sales
• Maintain accurate documentation related to product development and testing
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or related scientific discipline
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in an R&D Chemist or product development role
• Strong sensory evaluation skills, including taste and aroma assessment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to evaluate product appearance and operate laboratory instruments
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally
• Ability to report to company facilities as needed, including same-day notice

Preferred:

• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience