Scientist - Product Development
Role: Scientist - Product DevelopmentLocation: East Hanover, NJ (Hybrid - 3 days onsite)Salary: $75,000-$100,000 + bonus A global, category‑leading consumer packaged goods company is seeking a Product Development Scientist / R&D Engineer to support cross‑brand innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance initiatives within its North American portfolio. Based in East Hanover, NJ, this role sits at the intersection of R&D, marketing, and manufacturing and is ideal for a product‑development professional who enjoys hands‑on experimentation, commercialization, and consumer‑led innovation. This is a highly visible opportunity to contribute to well‑known household brands while gaining broad exposure across lab, pilot, and factory environments. The Product Development Scientist / R&D Engineer will be responsible for:* Executing product innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance projects aligned with R&D and commercial priorities.* Planning and conducting lab, pilot plant, and factory trials in compliance with GMP, HACCP, and quality standards.* Supporting product scale‑up from bench through commercialization, balancing feasibility, optimization, and regulatory constraints.* Performing shelf‑life testing, product quality design activities, and consumer test preparation.* Analyzing experimental data, interpreting results, and authoring technical reports with clear conclusions and recommendations.* Creating and maintaining accurate, consumer‑led product specifications and formulations within internal digital systems (e.g., ION).* Identifying technical and consumer learning priorities and executing structured learning plans to de‑risk development.* Troubleshooting formulation, process, and quality challenges and developing rigorous corrective action plans.* Communicating project status, risks, and mitigation strategies to cross‑functional partners and leadership.* Collaborating closely with commercialization, manufacturing, supply chain, and marketing teams.* Leveraging technical rigor tools (TRLs, risk management, structured reporting) and digital tools such as Power BI and AIPD.* Serving as an R&D point‑person for project teams while actively seeking guidance from technical experts and SMEs. The Product Development Scientist / R&D Engineer should have the following qualifications:* Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.* Minimum of 4 years of experience in food product development within an FMCG / CPG environment.* Hands‑on experience executing product development projects across lab, pilot, and manufacturing settings.* Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental‑design capabilities.* Ability to interpret data and translate findings into clear technical and business recommendations.* Excellent verbal, written, and technical communication skills.* Comfort working independently while effectively escalating risks or issues when needed.* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently.* Consumer‑centric mindset with a strong appreciation for commercialization realities. Benefits & Why This Opportunity Stands Out:* Opportunity to work on iconic, household food brands within a global CPG leader.* Broad exposure to end‑to‑end product development - from concept through factory commercialization.* Strong cross‑functional visibility and mentorship from senior R&D and technical experts.* Hybrid work model (3 days onsite)* Competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus.* Robust benefits package including healthcare, retirement savings, paid leave, and education programs.* High‑learning environment with long‑term career development potential inside a global organization. Travel: Up to 20-30% (domestic and occasional international travel to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply below or reach out directly to learn more.