Sensory Scientist

Talking Rain Beverage Co®, makers of Sparkling Ice • Preston, WA

94d • $70,000 - $95,000

About The Position

We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, Popwell and MIXT. When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company. Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them. Our Research & Development team is proud of where we’ve been, but more interested in where we’re going. This team drives creativity, growing our portfolio of products. Here, you will apply your sensory expertise to lead consumer sensory testing, guide product development, and translate insights into opportunities for exceptional product experiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Equivalent experience considered.
• 4+ years of food sensory experience, including applied statistics and testing methodologies.
• 2+ years in product development preferred, ideally in the beverage industry.
• Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of food science principles, sensory methodologies, food manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate with stakeholders, manage multiple priorities, and build cross-functional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze all internal and external sensory tests to support product development.
• Independently create standardized reports, develop clear written recommendations, presentations, graphs, and visualizations to communicate insights to guide cross-functional decision-making.
• Establish, train, and maintain internal sensory panels, ensuring consistency, reliability, and alignment with testing objectives.
• Deliver training to internal and external teams as needed.
• Demonstrate strong initiative and prioritization skills, with effective time management, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Maintain an organized internal sensory lab, supporting daily operations, efficiency, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Establish cross-functional partnerships to define sensory program objectives, align on deliverables, and support product development goals.
• Manage relationships with external partners and consultants to support sensory goals.
• Lead the assessment and implementation of new sensory research methods to enhance capabilities, drive efficiency, and improve business performance.
• Help identify and screen emerging technologies that enable improved sensory experiences and support innovation.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Three Weeks of Vacation, with additional time accrued every few years.
• FMLA qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Flexibility Stipend for eligible Rain Makers.
• Relocation Available (when available).
• Get paid to carpool with other Rain Makers.
• 401k with Immediate Vesting and matched contributions.
• Fitness Reimbursements for community events and access to on-site gym.
• Excellent and flexible Medical/Dental/Vision plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees