Job Description
Job Description
Grow with Welch's!
Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!
At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.
Grow with Welch's!
Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!
At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.
Position Summary:
Welch's is modernizing its R&D digital ecosystem through the implementation of a new ERP and an upgraded Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. As a Senior Scientist Product Systems on the R&D team, you will play a pivotal role in designing, building, and validating PLM functionality, ensuring that product data, formulation workflows, and specification structures are accurate, scalable, and aligned with business needs.
During the implementation phase, you will serve as a technical lead representing R&D in enterprise design discussions, system configuration, and cross-functional testing. Once the new PLM system is successfully deployed and stable, your role will expand to include creation and stewardship of product, ingredient, formula, and analytical specifications within the PLM system.
This role is ideal for a highly technical, detail-oriented scientist who excels in digital tools, structured data, formulation workflows, and cross-functional problem-solving.
Where You'll Work:
This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.
Our company in-office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well-being with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.
What You'll Do:
- Serve as a core R&D technical lead in the implementation of Welch's new PLM and ERP systems.
- Translate R&D formulation workflows, product data needs, and technical requirements into system logic and configuration.
- Lead R&D's execution of system testing, including writing test scripts, validating data structures, and troubleshooting issues.
- Partner with IT, Supply Chain, Quality, and external vendors to design and refine digital workflows that reflect R&D processes accurately and efficiently.
- Support customization and build activities to ensure PLM functionality meets R&D's operational needs.
- Identify and drive improvements in data governance, workflow efficiency, and system usability across the R&D organization.
- Develop training materials, processes, and user guidance to support system adoption within R&D.
- After ERP/PLM stabilization, become a primary author and steward of product, formula, ingredient, and analytical method specifications in the new PLM system.
- Create and maintain high-quality, audit-ready specifications with strong attention to metadata, version control, and technical accuracy.
- Collaborate with Product Development, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to gather accurate inputs and finalize specifications.
- Continuously optimize templates, workflows, and data structures within PLM to improve long-term system performance and data integrity.
Who You Are:
- A technically strong scientist with experience in formulation, analytical methods, product development, or structured product data.
- A systems thinker who enjoys understanding how digital workflows, product data, and technical processes fit together.
- Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with a natural ability to create accurate technical documentation and manage structured data.
- Skilled at breaking down complex R&D processes and translating them into clear system requirements and digital workflows.
- A collaborative partner who communicates clearly and effectively across IT, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and R&D.
- Comfortable working in an environment undergoing major digital transformation—able to bring structure, clarity, and problem-solving when processes are evolving.
- A proactive troubleshooter who can identify root causes, propose solutions, and improve how systems and data function.
- Someone who enjoys supporting others, creating training materials, and helping teams adopt new tools and workflows.
- Motivated to take on future responsibility for specification authoring once the new PLM system is stable
What You'll Need:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Information Systems, or related fields.
- 5+ years of experience in PLM, ERP, product data systems, digital transformation, or R&D systems roles within food, beverage, consumer goods, or related manufacturing sectors.
- Hands-on experience leading system implementations or upgrades.
- Strong technical documentation skills and comfort working in structured, data-driven environments.
- Ability to work cross-functionally (IT, FSQ, Supply Chain, Operations), influence without authority, and drive alignment across technical teams.
- Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose workflow or system issues quickly.
- Experience training others, developing user documentation, or supporting digital tools is beneficial.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
What You'll Enjoy:
- Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
- Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
- Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
- Hybrid work model: Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well-being & success
- Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
- Paid Volunteer Time Off: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
- Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
- Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
- 401K plan with Generous Company Match
- Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences:
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts
- Life and accident insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
- Paid parental (and adoption) leave – Available after 12 months of employment
The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch's good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.
#LI-Hybrid
Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.
Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.