Innovation Scientist

JuneShine Brands • San Diego, CA

3d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Great products don’t just happen - they’re experimented on, refined, and built by curious minds willing to push boundaries. As Innovation Scientist, you will report directly to the Innovation Manager and will support the development, testing, and advancement of new products across the Juneshine Brands portfolio. This is a hands-on, lab forward role for a mid-level innovator who loves experimentation, problem-solving, and seeing ideas move from concept to pilot and beyond. If you enjoy a startup-style environment where experimentation, adaptability, and taking ownership are part of the everyday process - you’ll thrive in this role! Who You Are: Curious, creative self-starter who thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments Strong execution mindset - owns key workstreams from concept to launch Plays a critical role in bringing new flavors, formats, and formulations to life Motivated by continuous improvement and comfortable working independently Closely aligns with cross-functional partners to incorporate feedback and drive projects forward

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering, or a related scientific field
• 2-4 years of experience in beverage, CPG, food & beverage R&D, or a related product development environment
• Hands-on experience with beverage formulation and product development, including bench-top testing and pilot trials
• Experience supporting or executing commercial scale-up from R&D to production
• Working knowledge of carbonation systems, pasteurization processes, and shelf-life testing methodologies
• Knowledge of food safety standards, GMPs, regulatory compliance, and nutrition labeling requirements
• Experience using data analysis, formulation software, or spreadsheets to manage formulas, track experiments, and interpret results
• Potential for up to ~20 days of travel per year (subject to change) to support third-party R&D partners, onboard new products with co-manufacturers, and assist with onboarding new manufacturing partners

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience developing alcoholic beverages, functional beverages, kombucha, or THC-infused products
• Experience working with co-packers, contract manufacturers, or external R&D partners
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot formulation, processing, or stability challenges during product development
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills when working with innovation, operations, quality, and marketing teams
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities may evolve

Responsibilities

• Serve as the day-to-day owner for assigned innovation projects
• Translate innovation briefs into experimental design and formulation strategy
• Support SKU optimization and reformulation initiatives across the portfolio
• Coordinate shelf-life studies and formulation trials, maintaining accurate records to support data-driven recommendations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to provide technical input and ensure smooth scale-up
• Present project updates, technical findings, and recommendations to support commercialization decisions, with guidance from the Innovation Manager

Benefits

• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Healthcare coverage: up to 90% company contribution for employees and 25% for dependents
• Voluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match
• 12 weeks of paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and a sustainable baby gift
• Booch, spirit, beer, and soft good perks
• And more!

What This Job Offers

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