Who are we?
Kodiak is one of the fastest growing food companies that is disrupting the industry with its better-for-you breakfast and snacking options. Our journey with food began by restoring the tradition of whole grain flapjacks and adding some protein to fuel folks' adventures. In the process, we discovered that foods made closer to nature are not only fueling but taste better. So, we set out to inspire wilder, wide-open lives by feeding epic days through real breakfasts. That’s one of the reasons we’re in the scenic Rocky Mountains of Park City, Utah: to live our purpose and be close to nature.
Our mission is to become the most loved, next generation food brand, and we’re well on our way. We craft the best-selling whole grain flapjack mix in the nation along with toaster waffles, baking mixes, oatmeal, syrup, and snacking options at all major retailers. We’re expanding rapidly as our business continues to grow year-after-year and need to build our team with people that share our passion for the outdoors, bring industry experience, thrive in an entrepreneurial culture, and want to make an impact in the food space. We believe that eating real, good-for-you food, being active outdoors, and preserving nature will restore balance generations before us worked so hard to forge. We embrace the spirit of the Kodiak – a pristine wilderness with a rich ecosystem – and we rely on that spirit of the Kodiak to inspire the work we do, the food we eat, and the way we play.
Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
Job Location: Kodiak HQ: Park City, Utah
What will this position do?
This role will report to the Associate Director, Research & Development and will be responsible for designing research projects, exploring ingredient trends, creating new formulations, product testing, preparing accurate samples, and document creation and management. The R&D Food Scientist will work directly with co-manufacturers to align on the ingredients and the formulation for product development and oversee the scale up of innovation and renovation projects.
- Develop formulas to meet both innovation and renovation briefs
- Maintain and develop positive, professional relationships across all functional areas of the organization (internal and external) that foster an inclusive and team-oriented culture
- Prepare daily formula test batches for pilot testing
- Create prototypes for consumer testing and internal meetings
- Input new ingredient specs in Genesis and calculate NFPs and LOIs for products
- Work on productivity projects by testing new ingredients and optimizing the formulation
- Submit samples for shelf life, allergen, and any additional testing
- Research potential new ingredients, ingredient trends, and suppliers
- Partner with existing suppliers for rapid prototyping opportunities
- Assist with formula documentation creation and management
- Partner with co-manufacturing team to align formulas and ingredients for scale up
- Develop formulas for back-of-box copy
What are we looking for?
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in product development.
- Familiarity with food chemistry, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive in approaching tasks.
- Enthusiastic about learning and open to new challenges.
- Strong verbal/written communication skills
- Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrates the ability to work autonomously while also fostering collaborative teamwork.
- Strong organizational skills, flexible, and able to work with ambiguity
- Located in or willing to relocate to the Park City area.
- Open to occasional travel, estimated at approximately 20%.
What else do I need to know?
This role is based in our headquarters near the ski slopes and mountain trails of Park City, Utah. We have a hybrid schedule. We offer competitive compensation and benefits that include:
- Health/vision/dental plans
- 401k match
- Relocation assistance
- Annual performance bonus
- A company fleet of snowboards and other equipment
- Active lifestyle allowance
- Therapy Benefit
- All-you-can-eat flapjacks
- Flexible vacation
- Early-out Fridays
- Parental leave
- Casual dress code
- A variety of other Kodiak-unique perks
Recognized by Inc and Utah as one of America’s best places to work, we are known for our awesome work environment – a fun and authentic place where wins are celebrated, collaboration is king, work is balanced with life, and every individual makes a deep impact. We proactively search for ways to develop each individual along their career path here at Kodiak and beyond. We're inspired and committed to creating natural, authentic food with superior taste to fuel a healthy, active lifestyle. We feel encouraged by some of the trends in food today and believe that with a concerted effort we can make an enormous impact in building momentum for natural, better-for-you foods. We invite you to apply to join our team and leave your legacy on the future of food.
At Kodiak, we foster a truly inclusive community that encourages, supports, and celebrates what makes each of us unique. We bring our full authentic selves to work and leverage our diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create a culture of belonging that feeds epic days & wilder lives.
