About the Role:

The Product Development Scientist will be responsible for leading continuous improvement projects across existing product lines as well as new product development projects. This role will report to the Manager, Product Development & Innovation, and will work hand in hand with the entire R&D Team as well as many cross-functional partners. This role will be based in NYC.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development of new products from ideation to launch, collaborating with manufacturing partners to transform concepts from benchtop samples and trial runs into full-scale commercial production
• Support continuous improvement efforts across existing product lines and lead various renovation projects
• Support the creation of finished good specifications for new and existing products
• Support the implementation and maintenance of our Product Lifecycle Management system
• Support the sensory evaluation of ongoing production samples to ensure all product meets our specifications and quality standards
• Partner with QA and Operations to mitigate supply issues across existing product lines and lead the qualification of alternate suppliers for high risk ingredients by identifying, vetting and onboarding new suppliers
• Identify and lead the execution of potential margin improvement projects across ingredients, packaging, and labor
• Develop and execute shelf life testing protocols for new products including microbiological, analytical, and sensory tests
• Act as the Lab Manager for our lab space in Long Island City by managing inventories and maintaining organization to ensure it is a safe and productive space for the team
• Work collaboratively with many cross-functional partners including Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Insights

What You’ll Need:

• 3 years of food or beverage product development experience
• Degree in Food Science or similar
• Experience working with third-party co-packers
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects & tasks working in a fast-paced environment
• Extremely organized with great attention to detail
• Excellent research skills and a curious thinker
• Works well both independently and collaboratively

Additional Info:

• Based in NYC at our Manhattan (NoHo) HQ and Lab in Long Island City
• Requires travel to visit suppliers and manufacturing partners within North America (up to 20%). Driver’s license required.
• Entrepreneurial environment with lots of room for growth and innovation
• Flexible vacation and time off
• Competitive compensation including equity and matched 401k
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, vision and dental

About Little Spoon:

Little Spoon is the fastest growing baby and kids food brand in the United States. On a mission to make parents’ lives easier and kids healthier, we are bringing the future of kids food to the modern parent through a first-of-its-kind platform of products delivered straight to your door. Little Spoon sets your child up for a lifetime of health, from a baby’s very first bites through to their big kid years, with a portfolio of freshly-made baby food, early finger foods, toddler, big kid meals and snacks. Since launch, the company has delivered more than 50 million meals and is responsible for feeding more than 2.9% of US babies, helping to simplify the lives of hundreds of thousands of parents. Learn more at LittleSpoon.com or find us on Instagram at @LittleSpoon.

Recent accolades include:

Inc. Best Workplaces

Inc. 100 Fastest Growing Companies

Fast Company Brands That Matter

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

If you have a disability and require accommodation during our interview process, please let us know how we can help make the interview process fair to your needs.