Sr. Product Development Scientist
About The Position
The Sr. Product Development Scientist leads the development and commercialization of innovative products across a growing portfolio of coffee and powdered beverages. Positioned within R&D, this role works cross-functionally with internal teams and closely partners with external ingredient suppliers. This position requires a strong foundation in ingredient functionality and product development, paired with a deep understanding of consumer needs and preferences. The ideal candidate brings creativity and technical expertise to ideate, develop, and refine products for both in-home and away-from-home occasions. A passion for new product development is essential, along with intellectual curiosity, hands-on problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, lab-driven environment. The Sr. Product Development Scientist combines innovation, technical rigor, and agility to drive impactful product launches.
Requirements
- B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Chemical Engineering. Advanced degree is a plus.
- 7+ years of experience in a related function within food/beverage (R&D, Quality), CPG, and/or commensurate advanced education.
- Ability to travel as required (Up to 25%).
- Highly collaborative, self-motivated, takes initiative; positively influence others.
- Strong technical and executional skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Change readiness, resiliency and flexibility to thrive in a constantly changing and fast-moving organization.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree is a plus.
- Experience with Coffee and Powder Beverages a plus.
Responsibilities
- Leads bench-top experiments, formula calculations, and develops products for a variety of KDP brands and products for at-home and away-from-home occasions.
- Interprets test results, writes technical reports, and effectively communicates information within the organization.
- Verifies formula accuracy, completes formula documentation, and leads organization of pilot trials and scale up.
- Fully understands R&D functions and project management process to lead the commercialization of ideas to launch.
- Partners with various functions of R&D (Sensory, Ingredients, Nutrition, Regulatory, Flavor Technology, Chemistry, Process Engineering, and Technical Services).
- Influences and actively participates in Marketing and Consumer Research programs to gain consumer insights, and translate into key product concepts.
- Manages multiples projects and represents R&D in cross-functional teams consisting of members across various departments of KDP (R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales).
- Delivers updates on projects within the business to key stakeholders and cross-functional peers.
- Develop the ability to effectively communicate technical information to senior leadership.
- Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement within function.
- Maintains accurate and detailed record of laboratory work.
- Work appropriately and safely in a laboratory environment.
- Use formulation software to document lab work and formulas.
- Demonstrate flexibility and resilience in adapting to changing business needs and priorities.
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion.
- A successful candidate will exhibit a passion for innovation, is results driven and takes ownership of work.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members to support their professional growth and enhance team performance.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Disability
- Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time)
- 401k with company match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Mileage Reimbursement
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
