AQUA Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology company disrupting the alternative protein space with the world’s first whole-cut seafood alternatives created through fermentation. Our novel technology produces a sustainable food source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As our global challenges with overfishing, climate change, and feeding the world’s expanding population grow, our mission is to create delicious, nutrient-rich foods to feed our planet and protect our oceans.

About You

First and foremost, you’re prepared to lead and grow the Food Product Development team at AQUA. You’re excited to continue and optimize existing products and processes while also innovating and expanding the product portfolio. You’re equal parts strategic thinker and effective doer, with a bias towards action and the hustle to address immediate needs while anticipating upcoming ones. You crave a fast-paced environment and variability in your day-to-day, and thrive within ambiguity—willing to craft innovative solutions in an industry whitespace with no precedent. You have extreme attention to detail and a high bar for communication, collaboration, and clarity. Finally, you have a passion for sustainability, innovation, and food.

Position Summary

We’re looking for a Product Developer & Culinary Scientist to join our team. This individual will serve as an integral member of the technical team, focused on the development of novel food products. They will manage all things product development, from benchwork to strategic planning.

This is a high-impact position within a fast-paced and growing company with a team of eight. Individuals with hands-on experience, a passion for culinary innovation, and an interest in the future of food are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Manage existing product lines and develop new products from concept to commercialization.
Conduct benchtop and at-scale trials in our pilot plant to explore and optimize formulations and processes. Document all formulations, variables tested, product stability, and other pertinent details throughout the development process.
Support internal and external customer projects and initiatives, shifting priorities as needed and delivering on time.
Collaborate with Commercial, Production, and R&D teams to develop concepts and convert them to prototypes, while working closely with suppliers to assess ingredients and manage costs.
Understand the balance of proposition desirability, viability, and feasibility. Develop and deliver an aligned final Product Specification.
Build and share knowledge of the company’s technology, product functionality, and its application use in customer products, while maintaining and protecting IP and trade secrets.
Organize sensory panels, analyze results, and refine formulations until desired characteristics are achieved.
Contribute to innovation, troubleshooting, and brainstorming ideas in a collaborative team environment.
Work with key suppliers, partners, and universities to keep abreast of upcoming trends, novel ingredients, and new application ideas.
Effectively communicate project status updates directly with key stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
Ensure we approach product development from both a scientific & culinary perspective.

Minimum Requirements

B.S in Food Science, Food Engineering, or Food Chemistry with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
Prior experience in product development (culinary background preferred)
Previous experience scaling products and formulations from benchtop to pilot plant
Possess strong knowledge of common food applications/processes, food ingredient functionality, and ingredient interactions in various food matrices
Experience working with flavors, colors, and nutrition-enhancing ingredients
Project management expert with the ability to apply rigor and consistency across multiple initiatives simultaneously
Stakeholder management expertise that comfortably spans personality types, business functions, and geographies
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive technical reports and deliver technical presentations.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision, move fast and maintain meticulous attention to detail
Customer-focused mindset and team player with excellent interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and Notion

Preferred Qualifications

Prior customer and client-facing experience
ServSafe Food Manager Certification

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary
Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, healthcare (medical, vision, and dental), and a 401(k) with company match
Opportunity to be an early employee at a fast-growing food company with incredible opportunity for internal growth and leadership potential

Location

You will work on-site full-time with our team in our pilot plant in West Town, Chicago.

At Aqua Cultured Foods, we are committed to building a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workforce. We take being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer seriously and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act), or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Aqua Cultured Foods

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Product Developer & Culinary Scientist