Senior Food Scientist

Summary

The Senior Food Scientist is responsible for providing technical support for all Beverage Development and Food Scientists. This laboratory-based role, under the direction of the Principal Scientist and Food Scientists, requires batching and processing beverage prototypes at bench scale and eventually scaling products to the pilot plant (OMVE).

This is a senior-level position requiring at least 6 years of experience in beverage development, including flavor systems and base formulations, along with a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline. The Senior Food Scientist will oversee efforts and resources to produce carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and other cold-filled preserved beverages. Exposure to hot-fill or pasteurized beverages may also be required. This role demands strong self-direction, technical expertise, and problem‑solving ability.

• Prepare, batch, and evaluate finished beverage applications to support new product development efforts under the direction of Principal and Food Scientists.
• Perform hands‑on bench work, including formulation, flavoring, and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Work with minimal supervision on CSD, cold‑filled preserved, and tunnel‑pasteurized beverages.
• Develop and work on flavor systems with minimal supervision.
• Support base development with some supervision from the Principal Scientist or Director of R&D.
• Collaborate closely with Food Scientists on a variety of beverage applications, including high acid/low acid, carbonated soft drinks, hot‑fill, and retort products.
• Develop SOPs for lab and analytical equipment to support Beverage Development.
• Identify potential problems early in the development process and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Partner with the internal Ingredient Sourcing Specialist to obtain raw materials required for product development success.
• Maintain laboratory and pilot plant spaces for functionality, readiness, and cleanliness.
• Continuously improve workflow and processes for beverage formulation development.
• Work directly with customers and sales teams to gain product approval.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related scientific field such as Biology, Chemistry, or equivalent.
• 6+ years of liquid/beverage development experience.
• 10+ years of liquid/beverage development experience with a Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong ability to support the development of beverage formulations throughout the product development process.
• Self‑directed with deep understanding of base development, RTD (ready‑to‑drink) development, and scale‑up processes.
• Knowledge of beverage applications including high acid/low acid, CSDs, hot‑fill, and retort.
• Experience operating and calibrating analytical equipment such as Brix, TA, pH, and density.
• Ability to learn and operate lab and pilot equipment, including OMVE beverage processing systems.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
• Strong group problem‑solving skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage competing demands effectively.
• Positive team‑oriented attitude and high level of professionalism.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed and complex documents.
• Ability to write routine correspondence, instructions, and procedures.