Food Technologist

Description

Who We Are

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada — every single day!

For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers — from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh — from farm to family.

We’re not just about food; we’re about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you’re ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we’re planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package

• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• 401(K) including company match!

• Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays

• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance

What’s the Role

The Food Technologist is a full-time, on-site role at F&S Fresh Foods in Vineland, New Jersey. Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the position supports product development, process improvement, and commercialization of fresh, refrigerated and value-added food products.

What You’ll Own

Product development: Develop and improve products, create prototypes and formulas, translate customer concepts into scalable formulations, evaluate ingredients and packaging, conduct sensory testing, and improve quality, cost, nutrition, consistency, and shelf life.

Commercialization: Plan plant trials and initial production runs, scale benchtop formulas to commercial production, prepare manufacturing instructions and specifications, establish processing parameters, monitor results, troubleshoot issues, and transition new products into routine manufacturing.

Technical documentation: Maintain formulas, trial records, product specifications, processing parameters, labeling information, allergen reviews, and other technical documentation.

Shelf-life testing: Design studies, evaluate sensory and microbiological results, coordinate outside testing, and recommend changes to formulations, processes, packaging, or storage conditions.

Cross-functional collaboration: Partner with Operations, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Procurement, Sales, customers, suppliers, and laboratories to improve products, manufacturing performance, and customer support.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Culinary Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Must have: 2 years of relevant technical or food-manufacturing experience, preferably in chilled food manufacturing within a fast-paced business

• Must have: knowledge of ingredients, formulations, food safety, product trials, sensory evaluation, or shelf-life testing

• Must have: strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, project-management, and communication skills

• Nice to have: HACCP, OSHA, First Aid/CPR, or Food Hygiene certification, plus knowledge of produce seasonality and manufacturing processes

• Nice to have: Bilingual English/Spanish speaking skills

Physical Demands:  This role primarily operates across office, laboratory, kitchen, refrigerated production, warehouse, and manufacturing settings. The role requires extended standing and walking, lifting up to 40 pounds, wearing required protective equipment, and occasionally working early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Some travel may also be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:  Cold, damp working environment (approximately 37°F) while at manufacturing facilities, with physical hazards from working in and around moving machinery.