Application Scientist III

Sensient • Hoffman Estates, IL

3d • $90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

At Sensient Technologies, the Application Scientist III develops innovative sweet applications and turns creative ideas into finished products while addressing customer challenges. The role applies expertise in flavors, ingredients, product development, and sensory evaluation across finished food applications, working with technical and commercial teams while managing projects independently.

The scientist develops and evaluates products across ice cream, bakery, beverage, and confectionery categories; plans and documents application projects; assesses Sensient flavor technologies; and collaborates with sales, flavorists, sensory specialists, and other technical partners to develop customer solutions. The position also supports customer presentations and visits, testing and product improvement, and a safe, professional laboratory environment. The salary range is $90,000–$110,000, with pay determined by factors including education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions.

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 and 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 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 work with sales and technical teams to understand customer needs and address product and process challenges.
• Provide timely project support to customers and internal teams.
• 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, share technical knowledge, and support the development of laboratory and technical team members.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits program supporting employees’ and families’ holistic well-being.
• Opportunities to grow through leadership, mentoring, and exposure to diverse product categories.
• Access to a well-equipped pilot plant and application labs.
• 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