Product Development Scientist I

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

AFB International | Research & Development

AFB International is a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and manufacture a full portfolio of liquid and dry palatability enhancers that help pet food manufacturers create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats, and supplements-products pets love and owner's trust.

As a trusted partner to pet food manufacturers worldwide, we combine deep expertise in pet nutrition, flavor science, and food technology to meet the evolving needs of pets and pet parents. AFB International is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI), a privately held, high-technology company with a long history of innovation and growth. We operate globally, with offices and production facilities in the USA (global headquarters), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia, and China.

The Science & Technology team is a global group within Research & Development responsible for shaping the future of our business. We think long-term, execute against global strategy, and develop the science, technology, tools, and intellectual property that fuel innovation, respond to market trends, and drive sustainable growth.

As a Product Development Scientist (level commensurate with experience and education), you will play a key role in advancing AFB's product portfolio. You'll drive product science from concept through commercialization-developing new palatants, scaling innovative technologies, managing technical risk, and supporting operations to ensure successful implementation.

This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of science, technology, and real-world manufacturing. You'll report to the North American Head of Product and Process Sciences and collaborate closely with global, cross-functional teams.

• Develop new palatants and product solutions that meet internal goals and customer needs.

• Lead product development projects from concept through lab, pilot, and production scale-up for both liquid and dry products.

• Design and execute research plans, experiments, and DOE studies using tools such as JMP and DOE Stat Pro.

• Apply expertise in food science, flavor chemistry, analytical chemistry, and food engineering-particularly for thermally processed products.

• Partner cross-functionally with product, process, operations, supply chain, and customer engagement teams to deliver business priorities.

• Provide technical support during scale-up and commercialization, including troubleshooting and supply assurance considerations.

• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned product lines.

• Collect, analyze, document, and present data clearly to R&D leadership and stakeholders.

• Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining strong documentation and execution discipline.

Education & Experience

• BS or MS in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.

• Minimum of 2 years of product development and scale-up experience in the food industry.

• Experience with thermal processing is a plus.

• Knowledge of flavor science or flavor chemistry is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong foundation in food science principles and formulation development.

• Experience working with food manufacturing and pilot-scale equipment (e.g., grinders, extrusion, canning, dry blending).

• Familiarity with pet food and pet palatability is preferred.

• Ability to design experiments, analyze data, and translate results into actionable insights.

• Proficiency with MS Office tools, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and geographies.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Intrapreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous learning.

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability-from idea to execution.

• Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional environments.

• Results-driven and comfortable navigating ambiguity in dynamic settings.

• Hands-on problem solver who enjoys working in lab, pilot, and manufacturing environments.

• Clear communicator with strong analytical and presentation skills.

• Hands-on role requiring work in laboratory, pilot plant, and production environments.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and moderate to high noise levels in production settings.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.