CD&D Beverage Scientist - Erlanger, KY

Job Description

CD & D Beverage Scientist - Erlanger, KY

This is an exempt, salaried-level role.

ADM is seeking a Beverage Scientist to join our Creation, Design & Development (CD &

D) team. This is a hands‑on role focused on beverage formulation, scale‑up, and innovation using ADM’s diverse ingredient portfolio, including flavors, sweeteners, proteins, and functional systems. You’ll partner with customers and cross‑functional teams to develop tailored beverage solutions that align with market trends and ADM’s strategic growth. Ideal candidates bring strong food science expertise, practical experience in product development and processing, and a passion for turning ideas into shelf‑ready products.

This role is based in Erlanger, KY but travel may be needed to other ADM North American sites for project and scale‑up work.

• Develop and optimize formulations for a wide range of beverage applications using ADM’s ingredients (flavors, sweeteners, proteins, colors, etc.).
• Scale up prototypes and lead transition from bench‑top development through commercialization.
• Independently design and execute experiments to evaluate ingredient performance and formulation stability.
• Serve as the technical lead on cross‑functional project teams, collaborating with R&D, commercial, regulatory, and operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external customers and internal stakeholders to align on product goals and timelines.
• Characterize ingredient functionality and proactively troubleshoot formulation or processing challenges.
• Support ADM’s innovation pipeline by identifying trends, applying food science and processing knowledge, and contributing to ideation sessions.
• Travel to ADM facilities and customer sites as needed to support project execution, pilot trials, and scale‑up activities.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in beverage product development, preferably within CPG, flavor houses, or ingredient manufacturers.
• Proven track record of beverage formulation, with working knowledge of key ingredient systems and processing methods.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, including proteins, carbohydrates, and emulsions.
• Experience with beverage manufacturing processes, including pasteurization, homogenization, carbonation, and aseptic techniques.
• Familiarity with FDA food labeling regulations and nutritional claims.
• Excellent project management and problem‑solving skills; able to prioritize and drive multiple initiatives forward.
• Competency in data analysis, experimental design, and technical reporting.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to present technical content to internal and external audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with formulation software is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% across North American ADM sites.

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Pay range: $63,900.00 – $

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well‑being, including:

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on‑site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and…