Food Scientist

Position: R&D Food ScientistDepartment: Research & Development Reports to: R&D Manager Location: Bay Shore, NYAbout the Company: Water Lilies Food, LLC is a private equity-backed manufacturer and distributor of premium Asian inspired food. Founded for over 30 years, the Company is in a high-growth phase, supported by a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bay Shore, NY (Suffolk County Long Island), with a second facility scheduled to come online in Q2 2026. Water Lilies’ growth strategy is centered on private label partnerships with national and regional retailers, complemented by proprietary control brand offerings where private label programs are not feasible. The category remains underdeveloped, creating meaningful runway for growth through disciplined commercialization, category-led selling, and operationally sound go-to-market execution.Water Lilies’ vision is to be the preferred supplying partner of premium Asian-inspired food, achieved through delivering our products and services with attention to detail, a continuous improvement mindset, agility, and authenticity. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, respect, and accountability. Employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact, take ownership of their work, and grow alongside the business. The company is backed by Blue Point Capital Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm with a strong history of scaling founder-led and growth-oriented manufacturing businesses. Job Summary: The R&D Food Scientist role is an opportunity meant to fill the R&D team with talented individuals. We want to lean into your analytical skills and build your knowledge to help us get better. You will get to lead and grow, every single day. This role is perfect for the individual who approaches their work with a sense of optimization and organization and who loves to work in a dynamic team environment.The Research & Development Food Scientist will be responsible for assisting the Research & Development Manager with product development and day‑to‑day operations within the department, such as documentation of formulas and adjustments. The role reports to the R&D Manager and collaborates with the Operations, Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Commercialization Departments.If that sounds like you, come join us!Responsibilities: Development and execution of new formulas, formula improvements and cost reductionsHelp plan, collect materials for, and coordinate trial production and development testsCoordinate test runs with production facilitiesProvide technical support for productionProvide technical support for quality assuranceDevelop specifications and processes for Bill of MaterialsCalculate nutrition panels and regulatory labelingEnsure formula adherence by comparing actual data to formulas and product specsCoordinate analytical studies in-house or with outside labs (palatability, acceptability, product texture, pH, filling ratio, etc.)Create product specifications for finished productsMaintain production specifications from suppliersSupport operations in the selection and use of production equipmentReporting on any food safety issuesProvide support for other teams as requestedProvide technical expertise and training as requested Requirements / Competencies: BS degree in Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition or Food Science preferredPrevious experience in the food industryExperience with product development and large-scale commercializationStrong attention to detailAnalytical capabilitiesComputer proficiency including Excel, Word and OutlookCritical thinking Physical Requirements: The employee will occasionally move within the office to access office machinery, file cabinets, and collaborate with colleagues. Consistent use of office equipment, such equipment may include but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and copiers. The employee will be required to frequently communicate with both internal staff members as well as external parties or customers and must be able to convey accurate information. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change based on company needs as expressed by management.