R&D Scientist - Beverage

R&D Scientist - Beverage Applications (PR/590617) Madison, Wisconsin

Salary: USD
90000 - USD
115000 per annum

A global leader in the ingredients manufacturing industry is seeking an R&D Scientist to support innovation and product development within its beverage applications team. This role will focus on the formulation, optimization, and commercialization of refreshing beverage products, working closely with customers and internal cross‑functional teams to bring innovative concepts to market.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on scientist who enjoys developing beverages from concept through commercialization while partnering with customers on new product innovation.

• Develop and optimize beverage formulations, including flavored waters, sports drinks, energy beverages, juices, teas, and other refreshing beverage applications.
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with customers to understand formulation challenges and deliver tailored ingredient solutions.
• Conduct bench‑top development, prototype creation, and pilot‑scale trials.
• Evaluate ingredients for functionality, taste, stability, and processing requirements.
• Support scale‑up activities and manufacturing trials to ensure successful product launches.
• Analyze technical data, interpret results, and provide recommendations for formula improvements.
• Partner with Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, and Operations teams throughout the development process.
• Stay current on emerging beverage trends, ingredient technologies, and consumer preferences.
• Present technical findings and product solutions to both internal and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of industry experience developing beverage formulations within the food, beverage, ingredients, or flavor industry.
• Strong knowledge of refreshing beverage applications and ingredient functionality.
• Experience with beverage processing, formulation troubleshooting, and commercialization activities.
• Understanding of sensory evaluation and product optimization techniques.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple development projects in a fast‑paced environment.

• Experience working for an ingredient supplier, flavor manufacturer, beverage manufacturer, or food technology company.
• Exposure to customer‑facing technical support or applications development.
• Knowledge of sweeteners, flavors, acids, functional ingredients, hydrocolloids, or beverage systems.
• Experience supporting innovation pipelines and new product launches.