David Protein

Direct-to-consumer protein supplements for athletes

Senior Manager - R&D

Process EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeNew York, NY, USA$170k - $200k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in food science, research and development, or product development within food or consumer packaged goods, including at least 4 years directly managing scientists.
Deep hands-on formulation experience in high-protein systems such as bars, dairy or frozen products, or confectionery.
A track record of taking products from bench development through commercial scale with a co-manufacturer.
Ability to work at startup pace and in ambiguous conditions without relying on a mature, fully built-out process.

Responsibilities

Lead formulation, testing, and iteration across an assigned product line, applying working knowledge of proteins, high-intensity and rare sweeteners, fibers, binding systems, and shelf-life kinetics.
Diagnose and resolve finished-product failures, including texture drift, binding failure, flavor instability, and processing defects.
Own the technical relationship with co-manufacturers during scale-up and ongoing production, including trial planning and troubleshooting on the plant floor.
Manage and develop 2–3 Food Scientists or Senior Food Scientists by setting priorities, reviewing experimental design, and coaching on technical rigor.
Build project ownership models so each scientist can run a workstream independently while staying aligned with portfolio priorities.
Foster creativity and experimentation by creating room for scientists to explore unconventional ingredient pairings and formats, and championing bold ideas with technical risk.
Monitor ingredient technologies and processing methods relevant to high-protein systems, including precision-fermentation proteins, novel sweeteners, and encapsulation, and recommend additions to the innovation roadmap.
Lead strategic research initiatives 12–24 months ahead of the current portfolio, scope exploratory workstreams around emerging ingredient technologies, and translate early-stage findings into actionable innovation bets.
Define and prioritize the R&D research agenda with the R&D leadership team, balancing near-term product fixes against longer-horizon platform-building work.
Build and maintain relationships with ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and academic and industry contacts to keep the team informed about scientific developments.
Partner with Regulatory and Quality Assurance to ensure ingredient selection, labeling, and claims comply with FDA nutrition-labeling requirements and emerging sweetener and fat-replacer guidance.
Work with Supply Chain and Procurement on ingredient sourcing, cost targets, and supplier qualification.

Senior Manager, R&D

David Protein · New York, United States · — · Posted 2026-08-17

Workplace: on_site

Department: R&D

Description

The Company:

Medici Brands is the parent company of David, Epogee, HallPass and several emerging brands launching in the near future. Medici Brands is led by CEO Peter Rahal, Co-founder and former CEO of RXBAR, and is focused on building brands that break the tradeoffs between taste and nutrition that have classically existed.

Role Overview:

Reporting to the Director of R&D, we are looking for a Senior Manager, R&D to lead and be responsible for a portfolio of SKUs end-to-end - from concept through pilot, scale-up, and post-launch iteration - while managing a small bench team of Food Scientists.

This is a working-manager role. You'll still be hands-on at the bench for the hardest formulation problems, and you'll be responsible for prioritization, mentorship, and cross-functional delivery across your product line.

Formulation & Technical Ownership

Lead formulation, testing, and iteration across an assigned product line, applying deep working knowledge of proteins, high-intensity and rare sweeteners, fibers, binding systems, and shelf-life kinetics.
Diagnose and resolve finished-product failures - texture drift, binding failure, flavor instability, processing defects - with speed and technical precision.
Own the technical relationship with co-manufacturers during scale-up and ongoing production, including trial planning and troubleshooting on the plant floor.

Team Leadership

Manage and develop 2–3 Food Scientists / Senior Food Scientists - setting priorities, reviewing experimental design, and coaching on technical rigor.
Build project ownership models so each scientist can run a workstream independently while staying aligned to portfolio priorities.
Instill a culture of creativity and experimentation on the team — carving out space for scientists to explore unconventional ingredient pairings and formats, and championing bold ideas even when they carry technical risk.

Innovation Pipeline

Stay current on ingredient technologies and processing methods relevant to high-protein systems - precision fermentation proteins, novel sweeteners, encapsulation — and bring forward recommendations for the innovation roadmap.
Lead strategic research initiatives that look 12–24 months ahead of the current portfolio, scoping exploratory workstreams around emerging ingredient technologies and translating early-stage findings into actionable innovation bets.
Define and prioritize the R&D research agenda in partnership with the R&D leadership team, balancing near-term product fixes against longer-horizon platform-building work.
Build and maintain relationships with ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and academic/industry contacts to keep the team plugged into where science is heading, not just where it's been.

Cross-Functional & Regulatory

Partner with Regulatory/QA to ensure ingredient selection, labeling, and claims are compliant with FDA nutrition labeling requirements and emerging sweetener/fat-replacer guidance.
Work with Supply Chain and Procurement on ingredient sourcing, cost targets, and supplier qualification.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in food science, R&D, or product development within food or CPG, including 4+ years directly managing scientists.
Deep hands-on formulation experience in high-protein systems (bars, dairy/frozen, or confection).
Track record taking products from bench through commercial scale with a co-manufacturer.
Comfort operating with startup pace and ambiguity - this is not a role for someone who needs a mature, fully built-out process.

Benefits

Full-time, in-person role
Travel expectations up to 25% (manufacturing, suppliers, etc.)
Salary: $170,000 – $200,000 per year, inclusive of cash bonus based on attainment of company targets
Company equity opportunity
100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
401(k) with 4% match
Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses
Substantial and required PTO

Apply

Apply at David Protein

About the Company

David Protein

Direct-to-consumer protein supplements for athletes

David Protein creates and sells protein supplements to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts improve health and performance. Its products include protein powders, bars, and other nutritional supplements offered through its e-commerce platform and through partnerships with fitness centers and health stores. The system works by consumers purchasing directly online or via partner locations; products are formulated to support training and recovery with scientifically designed ingredients. The company differentiates itself through a focus on privacy and secure transactions for customer data, aiming to earn trust and protect personal information in the health market. Its goal is to grow a direct-to-consumer brand with reliable, science-based nutrition products that support athletic performance and overall well-being.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Series B
Total funding: $335M
Headquarters: New York City, New York
Founded: 2023

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