Senior Manager, Material Characterization Scientist

Overview

The Senior Manager, Material Characterization Scientist leads routine and non-routine analysis, manages routine instrument maintenance and calibration, documents findings, and writes reports to support R&D projects for growth. The role requires independent work and collaboration within the Analytical Science team as part of the Research to Experimentation (RtE) function.

The RtE function delivers innovations in ingredients, packaging, and dispensing. The Analytical Science team supports RtE as a value-driven analytical organization that accelerates end-to-end R&D, innovation, and commercialization.

Function Related Activities/Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate methods

• Conduct routine and non-routine testing

• Ensure timely and accurate results

• Interact with clients and define analytical needs for business

• Compile, interpret, document, and report results

• Deliver insights which drive growth for the business

• Organize and lead projects

• Organize and prioritize workflow and task schedules

• Acquire knowledge and establish capabilities

• Maintain and ensure performance of instruments

Education & Experience

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. preferred;
  Master’s Degree (thesis) required

• Experience:
  
  Ph.D. 5-7+ years; MS 10+ years. Degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science preferred.

• Industry experience (5+ years with Ph.D. or 8+ years with MS) is expected.

• Strong hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation for material characterization, with a focus on food/beverage packaging.

• Experience with methods development and validation; sample preparation across matrices including raw materials, beverages, syrup, concentrates, and packaging materials; qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemicals and elements.

• Instrumentation and techniques include: DSC, TGA, DMA, Rheology, Mechanical Tensile/Compression Testing, GPC, FTIR, UV-Vis, and related sample preparation. Additional experience with SEM-EDS, X-ray computed tomography, XRF, AFM, and Mass Spectrometry is desirable.

• Ability to acquire new knowledge and adapt to other areas of analytical science.

• Strong problem-solving and project leadership skills.

Leadership & Core Capabilities

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices, Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation, LIMS, and quality management systems.

• Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences; ability to produce clear reports and recommendations.

• Ability to apply company policy to respond to product/packaging scientific or regulatory issues with tact and diplomacy.

• Proprietary Information awareness; ability to protect internal and external IP.

• Project management: ability to develop/plan, manage, and execute projects; prioritization skills.

• Strategic planning aligned with company objectives; growth-minded and innovative.

• Attention to detail and endurance to manage extended periods of work; flexibility to adapt to business needs.

Location & Logistics

• Location:
  
  Atlanta, United States of America

• Travel: 0% – 25%

• Relocation:
  No

Legal & Compliance

• The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status for this position; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Job Details

Job Posting End Date:
July 28, 2026