Product Development Scientist

Voyage Foods

Product Development Scientist

Oakland, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Who We Are

    At Voyage Foods, our mission is to make delicious, sustainable, and accessible foods that are better for people and the planet. All of our products work together to support and sustain a food system designed for everyone, now and into the future. We're a team of food scientists, CPG experts, and professionals with a passion for making good food available for generations to come. What do peanut butter, chocolate, and coffee have in common? They're some of our favorite foods but are often inaccessible and unsustainable. That's why we created our Nut-Free Spreads, Cocoa-Free Chocolate, and Bean-Free Coffee. From food allergies to climate change and unjust labor practices, the foods we love are in serious need of an upgrade. Our future-proofed foods are always top-9 allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, affordable, and most importantly, utterly delicious.

    How We Work

    We're a rapidly growing team of people who value diversity in all its forms. We love adding new perspectives and appreciate those who ask questions that help us challenge assumptions, explore new directions, and improve what we've already built. We are a group of like-minded difference makers. Curiosity drives our development. We have tenacity and a risk-taking mentality at every level of our organization to keep challenging normalcy. We believe it's our responsibility to create an environment in which every person can bring their full, authentic selves to work. We push each other to be our best and do our products proud.

    About the Role

    The Product Development Scientist plays a key role in advancing Voyage's mission to reimagine beloved foods in sustainable, future-forward ways—developing and scaling our cocoa-free chocolate and bean-free coffee. This position is highly technical and hands-on, focused on formulation functionality, process scaling, and product optimization. You'll apply deep expertise in food science and product development to create high-performing analogs that deliver the sensory and functional experience of traditional chocolate and coffee for B2B customers.

    This is an exempt, individual contributor position based at our Oakland, CA HQ , reporting directly to the Product Development Manager.

    What You'll Do

    • Drive end-to-end product development for cocoa-free chocolate and bean-free coffee—from concept through commercialization—with strong ownership of experimental design, formulation, scale-up, and product innovation.
    • Design and execute R &D experiments to develop new formulations that mimic the flavor, aroma, and texture of traditional cocoa and coffee, using alternative materials and novel flavor technology.
    • Interface directly with customers and lead customer-specific projects , translating technical capabilities into tailored product solutions and ensuring successful project outcomes.
    • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, analytical chemistry, sensory, and finance teams to optimize and scale product attributes such as flavor and functional performance that also meet business performance expectations.
    • Plan and execute pilot plant and factory trials , ensuring process scalability, reproducibility, and successful technical transfer to production.
    • Apply deep technical knowledge of chocolate and coffee manufacturing processes, including roasting, particle size reduction, and conching.
    • Analyze and interpret experimental and sensory data to drive formulation improvements and inform data-based recommendations.
    • Document experimental work comprehensively , communicate technical findings effectively, and contribute to building robust product and process documentation.
    • Continuously refine and improve formulations and processes , integrating feedback from cross-functional partners and production insights
    • Stay current on emerging technologies, ingredients, and consumer trends related to chocolate, coffee, and flavor science to inform future innovation.

    What Makes You Successful / What Makes a Great Candidate

    • 3-5 years of hands-on R &D experience in food science and product development fields- chocolate, coffee, confectionery, or related experience a plus. Graduate degree in Food Science or related field a plus.
    • Proven track record developing and commercializing new food products , with demonstrated ownership of projects from bench to launch.
    • Strong foundation in formulation, ingredient interactions, and food production , with working knowledge of flavor chemistry, rheology, and particle size distribution
    • Experience executing pilot plant trials and translating lab formulations to manufacturing scale.
    • Analytical mindset with ability to design experiments, interpret data, and draw actionable conclusions.
    • Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail in documentation and data management.
    • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence outcomes through technical expertise.
    • Proficiency in Google Suite with experience with statistical or experimental design software (e.g., JMP, Minitab, or similar) a plus.

    Physical Demands

    • Tasting and evaluating a wide range of food products (including cocoa-free chocolate, bean-free coffee, and other food matrices) for sensory attributes such as flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance.

    • Prolonged periods of standing or sitting during laboratory work, pilot plant operations, and computer-based analysis.

    • Travel up to 25% of the time (can be domestic or international)

    Compensation

    The annual salary for this role is between $93K to $125K plus immediate participation in our benefits program (health, dental, 401k, and many others), a generous paid time off policy, and, where applicable, participation in our incentive programs. All employees are owners of Voyage Foods and receive an equity grant as part of their total package. At Voyage Foods, we approach each individual's compensation with a promise of fair market value and internal equity commensurate with experience and specific skill set.

    Benefits

    • Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
    • STD/LTD, Life and AD&D policies
    • FSA, HSA, HRA, and Mental Health Program Benefits
    • Generous Paid Time Off
    • 401k Program
    • Commuter Benefits
    • Paid Family Leave Program

    Voyage Foods is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Voyage Foods is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Voyage Foods will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check.