Extrusion Scientist
Location: Calgary, Alberta
About Lovingly Made
Lovingly Made is a rapidly growing manufacturer of plant-based proteins, pulse ingredients, and innovative food products. We are seeking a world-class extrusion expert to lead process development, product innovation, and technical excellence across our extrusion platform.
Position Summary
The Extrusion Scientist is responsible for advancing Lovingly Made's capabilities in extrusion, texturized proteins, cereals, crisps, functional ingredients, and next-generation plant-based foods. This individual will serve as the company's technical authority on extrusion processing, transforming customer concepts into scalable commercial products while driving continuous improvements in manufacturing performance.
Key Responsibilities
Extrusion Technology Leadership
- Serve as the company's subject matter expert in extrusion processing.
- Optimize operating parameters including moisture, temperature, screw configuration, shear, and throughput.
- Develop new extrusion methodologies to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
- Lead troubleshooting of complex processing challenges.
Product Development
- Develop innovative plant-based proteins, cereals, snacks, crisps, textured ingredients, and functional food ingredients.
- Translate customer requirements into commercially viable products.
- Design and conduct bench-top, pilot, and commercial-scale trials.
- Evaluate new raw materials and ingredient systems.
Process Scale-Up
- Lead commercialization activities from concept through full production.
- Establish process specifications and operating windows.
- Develop production documentation and technical standards.
- Support customer production trials and scale-up activities.
Technical Research & Innovation
- Track emerging technologies in plant proteins, pulse processing, extrusion, and alternative proteins.
- Build relationships with equipment manufacturers, universities, research institutions, and industry partners.
- Lead experimental design and scientific investigations.
- Develop intellectual property and proprietary processing methods where appropriate.
Client & Technical Support
- Provide technical leadership during customer development projects.
- Present findings and recommendations to customers and leadership.
- Support commercial teams with technical expertise during customer engagements.
Qualifications
Required
- MSc or PhD in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related discipline.
- 10+ years of industrial extrusion experience.
- Proven track record commercializing extruded food products.
- Strong understanding of protein functionality, starch chemistry, and ingredient interactions.
Preferred
- Plant-based protein development experience.
- Pulse protein and pulse flour processing expertise.
- Experience with cereals, snacks, crisps, and texturized vegetable proteins.
- Publication, patent, or significant industry innovation experience.
Compensation
- Executive-level salary
- Annual performance bonus
- Benefits program
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to shape the future of plant-based foods
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
