Senior Scientist, Research & Development (Dairy)

Whats it like to work at Kinders Well theres a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that theres also plenty of hard work. Because we dont just like flavor were obsessed with it.

With over 100 products sold nationwide were now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco Walmart Whole Foods and more. Were not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue we need more smart-and-scrappy flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If youre looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work... this is it!Every day youll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.

The R&D Sr. Scientist (Dairy) will report to the Director of R&D and will be a key technical leader within the organization. This individual will be instrumental in driving key long-term R&D projects while also supporting our mission to deliver best-in-class speed to market and quality of new this role you will work on complex technical challenges collaborate with internal and external partners and apply your deep knowledge of dairy products processing and safety to guide research & development and to create best-in-class products that delight our consumers and set new standards of what is possible in the categories that we choose to enter.

• Lead the evaluation and qualification of new ingredients including novel and functional ingredients to focus on driving clean-label standards for dairy products without compromising performance.
• Identify and translate emerging dairy science and technology trends into actionable long-term innovation platforms.
• Establish / manage strategic development dairy projects with third-party research partners including ingredient suppliers independent R&D organizations and academic institutions to accelerate innovation.
• Be a subject matter dairy science expert providing insights / guidance to cross-functional teams on formulation processing and ingredient functionality.

• Advise on complex new product development projects from concept through commercialization demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of dairy science formulation and manufacturing processes and ensuring products meet quality sensory and shelf-life standards.
• Collaborate closely with Commercialization Innovation Operations and Quality teams to ensure the seamless launch of new products.

• Support long-term product optimization projects focused on enhancing quality scalability clean-label standards and flavor.
• Lead technical initiatives to improve product performance including shelf-stability and freshness across our diverse portfolio.
• Apply scientific principles to troubleshoot and resolve complex product sourcing or production challenges.
• Partner with the Sourcing and Operations teams to identify and approve alternative ingredients and process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.

• Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g. Innovation Commercialization Operations and Quality) to drive project alignment.
• Provide clear communication on risks / opportunities to senior leadership.
• Act as a champion for the R&D process fostering a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement.

• 8-10 years of hands-on R&D and / or product development experience in the CPG food and / or ingredients industry.
• Deep knowledge of food microbiology and processing.
• Strong knowledge of FDA HACCP and other food safety systems.
• Proven experience managing complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process.
• Demonstrated experience in working across the product development lifecycle from benchtop formulation to full-scale commercialization.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Food Science.

• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
• Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
• Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
• Thrive in a dynamic lean and agile environment.
• Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say yes as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

Location & Pay Transparency

This position will be based onsite in Walnut Creek CA. The expected starting salary range for this role is $115000$125000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education qualifications performance and business needs.

• No two days here are the same.
• We try to be good team members and good communicators but we dont live by hierarchy and structure everyone is a difference maker here.
• We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.
• We believe our job is to take smart risk not to eliminate risk.
• We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.
• We arent trying to be average we want to do exceptional things and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.

We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off 401k bonus / incentive eligibility equity grants competitive health benefits and other family-friendly benefits including parental leave. Kinders benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.

We believe great culture starts with people. Were a people-first company built on connection collaboration and balance. Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.

Kinders is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ancestry national origin gender citizenship marital status religion age disability gender identity results of genetic testing veteran status as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and you need any accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements please reach out to us at