Beverage R&D Scientist - Innovative Product Developer

Horseshoe Beverage Company; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Horseshoe Beverage Company in Neenah, WI is seeking an R&D Scientist with a strong foundation in food and beverage formulation. You will lead product development from concept to commercialization, focusing on functional beverages, energy drinks, and powdered formulations, working in a fast-paced, cross‑functional environment.

The role requires an advanced degree and 2–4 years of hands‑on experience, with emphasis on innovation, scale‑up, and collaboration with internal teams and external

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 2-4 years of hands-on experience in product development, preferably in beverages, energy drinks, functional foods, or powdered formulations.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, nutrition, flavor chemistry, and thermal/aseptic processing.
• Experience with sensory testing, shelf-life studies, and consumer insights is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative in driving projects forward.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of products within one or more of the following categories: Functional beverages, Energy drinks, Dairy-based beverages and Powdered formulations.
• Serve as the product owner for internal and customer‑focused R&D initiatives.
• Design and execute research initiatives to optimize product quality, functionality, and processing.
• Conduct hypothesis‑driven research and DOE (Design of Experiments) to solve formulation and processing challenges.
• Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution and cross‑functional alignment.
• Develop prototypes and conduct shelf‑life evaluations, sensory testing, and product optimization.
• Support scale‑up activities including benchtop prototyping, pilot plant trials, and full production runs.
• Create and maintain product documentation including specifications, manufacturing instructions, and regulatory information.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations to ensure product success and customer satisfaction.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues related to formulation, processing, or product performance.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in food and beverage development.

Skills

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Data analysis

Communication skills

Pilot plant equipment

Education

Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

Horseshoe Beverage Company in Neenah, WI is seeking an R&D Scientist with a strong foundation in food and beverage formulation. You will lead product development from concept to commercialization, focusing on functional beverages, energy drinks, and powdered formulations, working in a fast-paced, cross‑functional environment.

The role requires an advanced degree and 2–4 years of hands‑on experience, with emphasis on innovation, scale‑up, and collaboration with internal teams and external