Product Development Scientist

About GoodPop

GoodPop is a better-for-you frozen treat company on a mission to create delicious products using simple, organic ingredients. As a certified B Corp, GoodPop is committed not only to product quality, but to people and the planet. The team operates in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, partnering closely across operations, finance, and supply chain to bring products from raw materials to freezer shelves nationwide.

Job Overview

The Product Development Scientist will support product development and day-to-day R&D operations, working closely with the R&D Director to bring products from concept to commercialization. This role is highly hands-on and spans benchtop formulation, sample preparation, product testing, technical documentation, and scale-up support at co-manufacturing partners.

Success in this role requires strong technical execution, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple work streams across development, documentation, and operations.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Develop new formulas, formula improvements, and product renovations at benchtop and pilot scale
• Produce samples for internal evaluation, retailer presentations, and product testing
• Design, run, and document shelf-life, stability, and product performance studies
• Evaluate new and alternative ingredients through comparison samples, sensory analysis, and written findings

Trials & Scale-Up

• Plan, support, and attend trial production at co-manufacturing facilities
• Provide on-site technical support during scale-up and commercialization

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain bills of materials (BOMs), formulas, and batch documentation
• Develop nutrition facts panels and ingredient statements for new and revised products
• Write and maintain finished product specifications and internal ingredient specifications
• Manage supplier and co-manufacturer documentation (specs, COAs, certifications, batch sheets)
• Support certification programs (Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher)

Lab Operations

• Help maintain R&D lab operations including inventory, sanitation, and equipment care

Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Operations, Quality & Compliance, Procurement, and Marketing on R&D initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Biology, or Nutrition
• 2-4 years of experience in the food industry
• Hands-on experience with benchtop and pilot-scale product development
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Analytical mindset - comfortable with formula math, unit conversions, % solids, Brix
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on-site in a lab environment and remain on feet for extended periods

Preferred

• Experience in frozen desserts, ice cream, or frozen novelty manufacturing
• Experience with nutrition analysis software (Tech Wizard, Genesis R&D, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
• Experience supporting trials at contract manufacturers or co-packing operations
• Familiarity with FDA food labeling requirements (21 CFR)

Department: Research & Development

Reports to: R&D Director

Location: Long Island City, NY (On-site 4 days/week)

Type: Full-Time

Travel: 10-20% (Co-manufacturing trials and production support)