Beverage Formulation Scientist

Position:
Beverage Formulation Scientist

Location:

Remote

Our client is seeking an experienced beverage formulation scientist to join their dynamic Product team. This role requires a candidate with strong bench-top formulation and flavor expertise in the beverage category, along with an innovation mindset to ideate and renovate new and existing products. The role involves working cross-functionally with QA, Operations, Procurement teams, and external partners to ensure diligent development, scale-up, and commercialization of products.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on development of new beverage applications and improvement of existing products.
• Research and establish a scientific understanding of ingredients, including sweeteners, acids, flavors, and fiber, and their interactions within beverage systems.
• Partner with and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment sourcing for product development.
• Collaborate with third-party flavor houses and university R&D teams on flavor technology, ingredient research, and market insights.
• Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients using analytical and sensory tools.
• Source new ingredient technologies and functional ingredients, focusing on innovation in the CSD category.
• Create and document finished goods formulas for costing and production, identifying cost optimization opportunities.
• Utilize in-house or external labs to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging, micro testing, etc., and make recommendations.
• Meet with ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed.
• Work with operations, marketing, and sales teams to supply prototype samples.
• Collaborate with QA to ensure formulas are consistent and meet food safety standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• 10+ years in beverage application development, with experience in carbonated soft drinks required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Net Suite, Power
  
  BI, and formulation management software.
• Experience in high-growth environments with swift decision-making and shifting priorities.
• Proven success in developing and scaling beverage applications across soft drinks, energy drinks, waters, or teas.
• Deep understanding of ingredients and their interactions in beverage systems; flavor house experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of beverage processing requirements: pasteurization, aseptic, cold fill.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver results timely.
• Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional and external partners.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Data-driven and strategic approach to product development.
• Highly organized with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.