Beverage Scientist

National Beverage Corp; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

National Beverage Corp is seeking a Beverage Scientist to develop and optimize formulas from concept to commercial introduction across our beverage portfolio. You will lead experiments, conduct sensory evaluations, and collaborate with Marketing, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to ensure successful scale-up and compliant products.

The role requires strong analytical ability, proficiency with data and regulatory guidelines, and willingness to travel to various site locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of R&D experience including commercialization and in-plant experience.
• Experience in the carbonated beverage industry preferred.
• Strong mathematical and scientific calculation skills.
• Ability to document steps and maintain accuracy.
• FDA regulations knowledge.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• IFT certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments and produce samples with high accuracy.
• Develop and optimize formulas and processes.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and reports.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Regulatory for alignment on product development.
• Conduct line trials and scale-up in manufacturing.
• Ensure approved profiles, specs, and timelines across functions.
• Review formulas and technical documents.
• Travel to company locations as business needs dictate.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Flexibility

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science

IFT Certified Food Scientist

Tools

Genesis

TraceGains

FoodLogiQ

Job description

Posted Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM

JOB OVERVIEW

The Beverage Scientist develops and optimizes formulas and processes for beverage products under the National Beverage portfolio. Owns and supports product development stages from concept to commercial introduction, as well as formula optimizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct experiments and produce samples with high accuracy, as well as design the processes for making products with a consistent flavor, color, and texture.
• Develop and optimize existing formulas and processes.
• Conducts sensory evaluations and generates a report.
• Collaborates with Marketing and Regulatory for alignment on product development.
• Conducts line trials within the manufacturing facility to ensure accuracy of process and quality, and successful scale-up.
• Commercialize formulas, collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Manufacturing, ensuring approved profile, specs, and timelines are met.
• Knowledge of quality control testing methods and Good Manufacturing Practices to drive development and improvement projects to integrate formulas into manufacturing successfully.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and summarize process quality information and trends.
• Computer literacy required with proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word.
• Face situations that have a variety of interpretations and require careful evaluation.
• Review formulas and technical documents.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and policies.
• Works across functions and communicates with all functional and operating groups on labeling and compliance matters.
• Ability to travel to any location where the Company operates as business needs dictate.
• Communicates cross-functionally and stays abreast of current and emerging issues and opportunities, and related impact on products and product technology.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Other duties as assigned

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common information, reports, and other documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or company representatives. Ability to effectively present information to management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand for long periods of time, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers, to handle or feel, sit for long periods of time, stand frequently, bend, squat, reach, and turn to access files and office equipment. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Field positions will be exposed to various unfamiliar conditions where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn, and which may include, but are not limited to, manufacturing and warehouse plants, and other venues as directed by a manager. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but increases significantly in warehouse and manufacturing plants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in food science. A science background with relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years’ R&D experience, including commercialization and in-plant experience, preferably in the carbonated beverage industry
• Good mathematical and scientific calculation skills, and be able to document the steps
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills using systematic methods
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of the role
• Knowledge of FDA regulations
• Genesis and Tracegains / FoodLogiQ experience desired
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and manage projects with competing priorities
• Willing to work a flexible schedule that may include different hours to accommodate trial runs
• Highly independent with little direction needed
• IFT Certified Food Scientist is preferred

LaCroix Sparkling Water. Provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, genetics, gender identity, disabled veterans, or sexual orientation.