Beverage Formulation Scientist

Kollective Group; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced Beverage Formulation Scientist to join their dynamic Product team. This remote role involves developing new beverage applications and improving existing products, requiring strong formulation and flavor expertise. The ideal candidate will work cross-functionally and possess a deep understanding of ingredients and their interactions within beverage systems. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential for success in this innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in beverage application development, especially in carbonated soft drinks.
• Experience in high-growth environments with swift decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on development of new beverage applications and improvement of existing products.
• Collaborate with QA to ensure formulas meet food safety standards.

Skills

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

NetSuite

PowerBI

formulation management software

Job description

Position: Beverage Formulation Scientist

Location: Remote

Our client is seeking an experienced beverage formulation scientist to join their dynamic Product team. This role requires a candidate with strong bench-top formulation and flavor expertise in the beverage category, along with an innovation mindset to ideate and renovate new and existing products. The role involves working cross-functionally with QA, Operations, Procurement teams, and external partners to ensure diligent development, scale-up, and commercialization of products.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on development of new beverage applications and improvement of existing products.
• Research and establish a scientific understanding of ingredients, including sweeteners, acids, flavors, and fiber, and their interactions within beverage systems.
• Partner with and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment sourcing for product development.
• Collaborate with third-party flavor houses and university R&D teams on flavor technology, ingredient research, and market insights.
• Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients using analytical and sensory tools.
• Source new ingredient technologies and functional ingredients, focusing on innovation in the CSD category.
• Create and document finished goods formulas for costing and production, identifying cost optimization opportunities.
• Utilize in-house or external labs to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging, micro testing, etc., and make recommendations.
• Meet with ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed.
• Work with operations, marketing, and sales teams to supply prototype samples.
• Collaborate with QA to ensure formulas are consistent and meet food safety standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• 10+ years in beverage application development, with experience in carbonated soft drinks required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, NetSuite, PowerBI, and formulation management software.
• Experience in high-growth environments with swift decision-making and shifting priorities.
• Proven success in developing and scaling beverage applications across soft drinks, energy drinks, waters, or teas.
• Deep understanding of ingredients and their interactions in beverage systems; flavor house experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of beverage processing requirements: pasteurization, aseptic, cold fill.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver results timely.
• Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional and external partners.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Data-driven and strategic approach to product development.
• Highly organized with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.