Sr Product Development Scientist

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary:

We're looking for a Senior Product Development Scientist to work with Research & Development and cross-functional teams to lead and execute innovation projects across and beyond our growing portfolio of beverages and fruit-based spreads. You'll also assist with daily business operations by providing technical support when needed.

Where You'll Work

This role will be based out of our Concord, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.

Our company in-office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well-being with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.

***Welch's is moving to a brand new, state of the art space in Waltham, MA June 2025***

What You'll Do:

• Lead and execute product innovation projects, from ideation through bench top prototyping, testing & validation, commercialization and launch
• Identify creative solutions and influence key stakeholders during the new product development process
• Conduct experimental design and lead execution of bench top, pilot plant and plant trials
• Provide technical support and address inquiries on existing specifications, ingredients or products from Procurement, Quality, Manufacturing or Sales
• Actively influence and participate in consumer research sessions in collaboration with Marketing and Consumer Insights
• Serve as the R&D lead for the qualification and approval of new sources for existing ingredients
• Collaborate with cross functional teams including QA, Plant Operations, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain to meet project goals
• Create and review specifications throughout the NPD cycle for applicable projects (e.g. raw material, nutritional, formulation, manufacturing, and finished product specifications)
• Direct the activities of external vendors including ingredients and service providers

Who You Are:

• Technically deep and curious; enjoys challenges and problem solving
• Able to handle project ambiguity and work with minimal direction
• Hands on, resourceful and decisive; seeks practical approaches with a bias for action to quickly build and demonstrate new ideas and concepts
• Applies a growth mindset through continuous experimentation and learning
• Works relentlessly to overachieve, anticipate obstacles, and creates plans to overcome them
• Adapts easily to changing priorities and direction based on new project learnings
• Able to think beyond own function and consider business priorities holistically

What You'll Need:

• Minimum of 5+ years of proven New Product Development track record from ideation through commercialization, with successful new product launches in the Food & Beverage market preferred
• A Bachelors degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields. Masters preferred
• Demonstrate awareness and practice of safety procedures, GMPs, food regulations, and the implications for product development
• Management of external resources like suppliers, co-manufacturers and testing labs
• Technical leadership of project commercialization, scale up and launch
• Good time management skills and ability to concurrently lead multiple projects
• Excellent analytical skills, strong attention to detail, good communication and interpersonal skills
• General knowledge of food & beverage processing and filling equipment
• Unders