Associate Scientist

Red Boot Beverage; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Simple IRA

Simple IRA matching

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Red Boot Beverage in Detroit is seeking an Associate Scientist to perform hands-on lab work, formulate, test and optimize processes for new beverage products, and contribute to data‑driven product development. You will work closely with Quality, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure high standards and regulatory compliance.

The role offers opportunities to grow within a fast‑growing beverage company, applying analytical skills to scalable processes, and contributing to innovative products

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3 years hands-on R&D or laboratory experience.
• Experience with experimental design and data analysis.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to travel up to 5%.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on lab work, formulation testing, process optimization, and data analysis.
• Work cross-functionally to assist development, testing, and refinement of new products and processes.
• Maintain detailed documentation including lab notebooks and data sheets.
• Prepare and analyze prototypes using standard lab techniques and equipment.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs.
• Contribute to technical documents, reports, and presentations.
• Commit to safety and GMP/SQF requirements; maintain safe working environment.

Skills

Lab testing

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

1–3 years hands-on R&D or laboratory experience

Tools

pH meters

Stability analysis equipment

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

We’re growing fast and we’re looking for people who are ready to dive in, level up, and grow right along with us. At Red Boot Beverage, our culture isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we live every day. It’s built on respect, fueled by teamwork, and driven by a relentless commitment to doing things the right way.

Every member of our team brings their own spark: unique strengths, bold ideas, and the passion to push past “good enough.” Together, we don’t just meet customer expectations — we blow past them.

Ready to be part of something great? Explore our open positions below and take your next step with us.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Position: Associate Scientist

Location: Detroit, MI

Job Id:164

# of Openings:1

Associate Scientist

On-site | Full-Time | U.S. Work Authorization Required

Position Summary

The Associate Scientist performs hands-on lab work, formulation testing, process optimization, and data analysis. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to assist in the development, testing, and refinement of new products and processes, helping to drive innovation and ensure high standards of quality and performance.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials following established protocols and safety procedures.
• Support the development, optimization, and validation of formulations and processes.
• Prepare and analyze prototypes using standard laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Collect, interpret, and present experimental data clearly and accurately.
• Maintain detailed documentation, including lab notebooks, data sheets, and reports.
• Assist in troubleshooting formulation or process challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Quality, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs.
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure a safe, clean, and organized working environment.
• Contributes to the preparation of technical documents, reports, and presentations.
• Keep current with relevant scientific literature, tools, and best practices.
• Cultivate and promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies, procedures and regulations; identify and communicate workplace hazards and correct or seek assistance in correcting unsafe actions or conditions; participate in safety meetings as required
• Meet all GMP, SQF, and safety requirements; participate in food and safety meetings

Note: This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve over time.

Travel

This position requires up to 5% of travel to customers or conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 1–3 years of hands‑on experience in an R&D or laboratory setting, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
• Familiarity with experimental design, data analysis, and lab techniques such as pH measurement or stability analysis.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team‑oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and basic data analysis tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently as well as in a team environment to attain personal, team and company goals
• Well‑organized and skilled in time management, prioritization, scheduling, and meeting deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with production environments
• Exposure to regulatory guidelines and product development processes
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality or analytical instrumentation
• Understanding of quality systems, GMP, or HACCP principles
• This is a regular, full‑time position with assigned office hours located onsite.
• The ability to be available for work daily and extended hours as necessary.
• Work is performed in a warehouse environment, manufacturing plant and occasionally outside in what may be adverse weather conditions.
• The work environment can involve exposure to heat, cold, humidity, moving machinery, extreme noise, visual strain, confined spaces, fumes, odors, dust mists, and gases.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk andlisten.
• This position requires long periods sitting/driving a forklift, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing and operating machinery.
• The employee should be able to lift and/or move items up to up to 50+ pounds many times per day.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Why Join Red Boot Beverage

As an Associate Scientist, you will gain hands‑on experience in beverage formulation, product development, process optimization, and pilot‑scale testing while working closely with cross‑functional teams. This role offers the opportunity to apply your scientific expertise, contribute to innovative products, and grow your career in a collaborative environment focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Simple IRA
• Simple IRA matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

BENEFITS

Enjoy comprehensive coverage at no cost for eligible employees, with affordable family plans available through our cost‑sharing options. We make it easy to take great care of yourself — and the people who matter most.

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Recharge and enjoy life outside of work with paid time off and company‑paid holidays. We believe rest, balance, and time with loved ones help you bring your best self to work.

Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave

Take meaningful time to focus on what matters most. Our paid maternity and paternity leave support new parents with dedicated time to bond with their child, recover, and adjust to life as a growing family.

Paid Jury Duty

When civic duty calls, we’ve got you covered. We provide paid jury duty so you can serve with confidence, knowing your time and commitment are fully supported by the company.

Company Swag

Rep your team in style! From t‑shirts to hats, employees enjoy fun company swag throughout the year

Innovative Environment & New Equipment

Work with the latest tools and technology in a forward‑thinking environment. We’re always upgrading equipment to support efficiency, safety, and innovation.

We’re invested in your future. Grow your skills, take on new challenges, and explore opportunities to advance your career with us.