Application Scientist III

Sensient • Hoffman Estates, IL

4d • $90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

At Sensient Technologies, the Application Scientist III develops innovative sweet applications and solves customer challenges by applying expertise in flavors, ingredients, product development, and sensory evaluation across finished food applications. The role works closely with technical and commercial teams while independently managing projects and developing new ideas.

The scientist develops ice cream, bakery, beverage, and confectionery products that demonstrate flavor and ingredient solutions and support new business opportunities. The position screens Sensient flavor technologies for core customer brands, partners with sales and technical teams to understand customer needs, and provides solutions and timely project support. It also conducts product testing, including stability, shelf-life, and sensory evaluation, and collaborates with flavorists and sensory specialists to create flavor systems aligned with project objectives.

The role supports customer presentations and visits by communicating product features, benefits, technical solutions, and company capabilities. It also contributes to a safe, professional laboratory environment, shares technical knowledge, and supports development of laboratory and technical team members. Sensient offers access to a pilot plant and application labs, cross-functional and customer-facing work, and opportunities for growth through leadership, mentoring, and exposure to diverse product categories.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in food science, food technology, chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Significant experience in food or flavor product development, with a strong understanding of flavors, ingredients, and application technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate finished ice cream, bakery, beverage, and confectionery products.
• Knowledge of food processing, regulatory requirements, sensory evaluation, product stability, and shelf-life testing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly to customers, sales teams, and internal partners.
• Ability to independently organize and prioritize multiple projects while working effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Working knowledge of computer applications used to document, organize, and evaluate technical and application data.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative ice cream, bakery, beverage, and confectionery products that demonstrate flavor and ingredient solutions for customers and support new business opportunities.
• Plan and manage multiple application projects, maintaining accurate formulations, project records, customer information, and progress updates.
• Screen Sensient’s flavor technologies across core customer brands and partner with sales and technical teams to understand customer needs, develop solutions to product and process challenges, and provide timely project support.
• Conduct product testing, including stability, shelf-life, and sensory evaluation, and use technical expertise to assess and improve finished products.
• Collaborate with flavorists, sensory specialists, and other technical partners to create flavor systems that meet project objectives.
• Support core customer presentations and visits by communicating product features, benefits, technical solutions, and company capabilities.
• Contribute to a safe, professional laboratory environment while sharing technical knowledge and supporting the development of laboratory and technical team members.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support employees’ and their families’ holistic well-being.
• Access to a well-equipped pilot plant and application labs.
• Opportunities to grow through leadership, mentoring, and exposure to diverse product categories.
• Dynamic, creative environment with opportunities to innovate and impact real products.
• Direct involvement with cross-functional teams and customer-facing activities.
• Culture that values safety, collaboration, and scientific curiosity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior