Senior Scientist - Flavor and Seasoning Development. Plano Move Collective

Overview

At Pepsi Co, our mission is to create smiles around the world. With a diverse portfolio of over 500 beloved brands including Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker, our work reaches millions daily.

We are a team of innovative thinkers and problem-solvers who collaborate to turn ideas into action, focused on creating joyful experiences through our food and beverages. Our decisions are guided by consumer centricity, providing our associates opportunities to engage in meaningful work and make a lasting impact in our communities.

As a Senior Scientist within the R&D Seasonings & Flavor team, you will lead the development of seasonings for multiple trusted brands like Lays, Miss Vickies, Cheetos, and more. Your role will encompass flavor strategy research, culinary innovation, vendor partnerships, ingredient processing, and compliance specifications. You will contribute significantly to our PEP+ agenda, which emphasizes innovation and sustainability, expanding our offerings that are better for both the planet and people.

• Lead the innovation of seasonings and flavors from idea inception to product commercialization across various brands.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D and cross‑functional partners to develop and launch innovative products while integrating technology roadmaps.
• Engage with external suppliers to explore new technologies, design innovative seasonings, and commercialize new ingredients.
• Assess technical and business risks associated with new product development and project goals.
• Apply scientific principles and experimental designs to overcome technical challenges and enhance seasoning designs.
• Utilize expertise from both internal and external sources for analytical and sensory research.
• Be prepared to travel occasionally, up to 40% of the time.

• Expected salary range: $93,500 - $156,450.
• Your location, proven skills, experience, and education will be considered in determining your starting salary, which your recruiter will discuss with you.
• Performance‑based bonus target of 10% of annual salary, paid out annually.
• Paid time off is available, including parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement time.
• Pepsi Co offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and reimbursement accounts, along with employee assistance programs.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Ingredient Science or Engineering.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years (BS), 3-4+ years (MS), or 2-3+ years (PhD) in R&D or manufacturing settings within the food, seasoning, flavor, or consumer packaged goods industry.
• Demonstrated capability to align business objectives with strategic project goals.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively influence across functions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and achieve results despite challenges.
• Familiarity with seasoning systems, quality control, and troubleshooting is advantageous.
• This position is open only to individuals with indefinite right to work in the United States.

• Experience in product or process development, particularly in seasoning & flavor, ingredient science, or culinary fields is a plus.

Pepsi Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.