R&D Scientist, Commercialization

Who We Are

At JonnyPops our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness onepopat a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments align with our core values and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.

Based in Elk River MN JonnyPops develops manufactures distributes and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target Costco Publix Kroger Cub along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.

Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012 JonnyPops mission is to make A Better Pop for a Better World! JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes akinddeed spreading kindness every day.

Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part ofhigh-growth brand and have a direct impact on the companys success. Join our team and help us make A Better Pop for a Better World!

Job Summary

The R&D Scientist Commercialization plays a critical role in taking new products from development intofullscaleproduction. This role is focused on commercializing new products on plant equipment ensuring formulations processes and specifications translate successfully from bench to manufacturing.

The scientist partners closely with Operations Quality Supply Chain and Marketing to lead plant trialsoptimizeprocesses troubleshoot scaleup challenges and ensure products are launched safely efficiently and tospecification. This is a highly handson role withsignificant timespent in production environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead productscaleup validation and commercialization during plant trials and initial production runs

• Serve as the R&D point of contactonsiteduring trials to troubleshoot formulation process and equipment performance issues

• Translate product formulations and specifications into robust repeatable manufacturing processes

• Partner with Operations to optimize run parameters yields quality and throughput during commercialization

• Ensure new products meet sensory quality cost and operational targets at scale

• Develop and refine process documentation specifications and work instructions to support successful handoff to Operations

• Monitor and verify production adherence to R&Ddeveloped formulas processes and specifications

• Collaborate crossfunctionally with Quality Supply Chain Procurement Regulatory and Marketing throughout commercialization

• Identifyand execute costsaving or efficiency opportunities without compromising product quality or brand standards

• Serve as the technical product expert for consumer complaintsparticipatingin investigation root cause determination and resolution in collaboration with Quality and Operations.

• Manage technical relationships with ingredient and packaging suppliers during commercialization andscaleup

• Support sensory evaluations plant tastings andshelflifevalidation as part of launch readiness

• Maintain R&D lab pilot materials and ingredient inventories as needed

FoodSafetyResponsibilities

• Responsible for ensuring that R&D activities are donein accordance withGMPs and that food safety and quality in production is not compromised.

• Collaborate with QA team toreview and approve suppliers.

• Collaborate with QA team toapprove compliant nutritionallabellingand packaging.

• Assist Quality and Production teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Food Science Food Engineering Dairy Science Chemistry ChemicalEngineeringMicrobiologyor related field

• Entry level to 3-5 years of experience with product development or R&D in the food industry

• Experience with nutritional labelling(TraceGainsNutriCalc) preferred

• Proven experience with formulation development and commercialization.

• Strong understanding of sensory scienceflavorsystems and food ingredients.

• Proficient in using Microsoft ExcelWordand PowerPoint.

• Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and analyses.

• Ability to interpret lab results.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Physical Demands

Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employeeis required tostand sit walk use hands to finger handle or feel objectstoolsor controls; talk and hear and reach with hands or arms. The employee isfrequentlyrequired to climb or balance and stoop kneel crouch or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job the employeeregularly worksin regular office conditions a laboratory environment production inside acooleror in a employee will be expected to work out of our Plymouth R&D centerand alsoour Elk River production facility.

Additional Requirements

• Naturally curious with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the test and learn mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.

• Alignment to our mission to spread kindness JonnyPops is a kindness-based company

• Versatility flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• This role will mainly be located in Elk River at the plant but will be traveling to Plymouth when needed.

Salary:
$90000 - $135000 annually

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

• Medical/Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• DCFSA
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• FTO/PTO
• EAP Programs
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Sick & Safe Leave
• 401k
• Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.