Product Development Scientist

Department: Innovation

Location: Raleigh, NC

Description

The Product Development Scientist will lead the strategic development, sourcing, and commercialization of new products by bridging innovation and R&D to bring ideas from concept to launch. This role ensures that creative concepts are translated into technically viable, operationally executable, and commercially differentiated product solutions. The ideal candidate is a technically driven innovation leader with strong sourcing acumen and a deep understanding of product development lifecycles. They will manage innovation projects end-to-end — from early concept validation and supplier engagement through scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Bridge innovation and R&D to turn creative concepts into technically viable, market-ready products.
• Lead end-to-end innovation projects — from concept through launch — with a focus on sourcing new suppliers, technologies, and materials to drive differentiation and efficiency.
• Build and manage relationships with key partners, including suppliers, co-manufacturers, and formulators, to strengthen the innovation pipeline.
• Oversee commercialization timelines and ensure cross-functional alignment across R&D, Operations, and Marketing.
• Own technical feasibility assessments, balancing creativity with practical execution across processing, sourcing, and scale-up.
• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Procurement teams to ensure compliance, safety, and supply chain readiness.
• Serve as the technical owner for product formulations, maintaining documentation, version control, and key learnings.
• Evaluate operational feasibility early in development, including manufacturing, sourcing, packaging, and distribution.
• Lead packaging and merchandising development (displays, signage, kits packaging) and updates to existing products (claims, packaging, regulatory, etc.) with input from the Sales team.
• Partner with Operations and Quality Assurance to execute scale-up plans, line trials, and production procedures.
• Lead sourcing negotiations for innovation-related materials, ensuring favorable terms and supply reliability.
• Scan the market for emerging technologies and supply opportunities to fuel future innovation initiatives.

Education, Experience, & Skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience with a CPG company is preferred.
• Experience working with EPA regulated products preferred, FDA is nice to have.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Strong organization and documentation skills
• The kind of confidence that says they are open to taking risks, trying new things, and open to new ideas
• A team player mindset who is willing to jump in wherever and whenever (position may require occasional, brief work on weekends)
• The ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced “start-up” environment
• The ability to take an idea to an executable, creative deliverable
• A knack for organization, time management, and prioritizing tasks
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and people development mindset
• A positive, “get it done” attitude.
• Willingness to travel (10-15%)