Beverage Technologist I

Refresco; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings Accounts

401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match

Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off

Job summary

Refresco in Columbus, GA is looking for a Beverage Technologist I responsible for PD lab functions, including developing beverage products, quality testing, and supporting lab personnel. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field and a minimum of 1.5 years of experience.

This role demands proficiency in lab responsibilities and effective communication skills while working in a fast-paced environment. Refresco offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1.5 years of work-related experience.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Knowledge of formulation design and process development.

Responsibilities

• Be proficient in all PD Lab Technician responsibilities.
• Assist in preparations of beverage products for customer projects.
• Order lab supplies and manage lab stock.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Professional communication

Teamwork and leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or a related discipline

Tools

SAP

QA instrumentation

Job description

Summary Description

The Beverage Technologist I will be responsible for PD lab functions and customer services including simple costing creation, basic development, quality testing, BOM and MI creation and fully execute sample requests. They will support fellow lab personnel and primarily advance in development skills and projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Be proficient in all PD Lab Technician responsibilities and competencies.
• Maintain a safe, clean and organized lab environment in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Use basic QA instrumentation and lab equipment such as microthermics unit, homogenizer and HTP processor.
• Mentor lab technicians and interns on best SOP execution for all lab functions.
• Complete standard sample requests independently, including sampling existing concentrate and beverage formulas, TOA reference samples, and liquids for can warranties.
• Assist in preparations of beverage products for customer projects, presentations and research projects, including tasting sessions and presentations to customers or visitors.
• Create shipping documentation and manage the sample request process, including international customer shipping requirements.
• Create concentrate BOMs and follow PIs for producing trial‑run concentrate orders.
• Select optimal ingredients for projects according to customer needs, regulatory, technical parameters and cost.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of financial aspects of flavor selection (cost‑in‑use).
• Be familiar with shelf life, light stability, and sensory process and practices.
• Understand basic beverage aspects, ingredients and use‑level application.
• Create lab formulas to match beverage specifications for simple formulations.
• Create and submit IMP formulas for approved beverage variables, testing and gathering specifications according to the Formula Implementation initiated SOP.
• Create costing for beverage and concentrate prototypes, structuring new BOMs, and communicating with finance.
• Participate in sensory training to become an approved panelist for concentrates, shelf life, and raw material for QA approval.
• Prioritize multiple projects and communicate issues and solutions effectively.
• Order lab supplies and manage lab stock of all necessary supplies including raw materials, lab essentials, juices and inventory.
• Use SAP and lab database ERP systems proficiently.
• Develop tasting skills and effective use of flavor descriptors, terminology and sensory lexicon.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Willingness to learn, develop and perfect PD lab methods and practices, maintaining all applicable documentation.
• Take ownership of projects, ask questions, and collect information to complete tasks.
• Basic knowledge of calculations and unit operations for formulation design and process development.
• Communicate professionally, provide constructive feedback, and share ideas and solutions confidently.
• Be consistent in information awareness by reading emails and referencing SharePoint and Weekly Action Plan.
• Demonstrate Refresco values: responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence, and passion.
• Foster teamwork and demonstrate leadership by teaching lab techs and interns, collaborating to resolve technical issues.
• Notice, interpret and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings.
• Focus on desired results for self or team and drive to meet goals with good priority setting.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or a related discipline.
• Minimum 1.5 years of work‑related experience.

Working Conditions

Work environment is repetitive. Mental stress may arise from deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy demands.

Travel Requirements

Based in Columbus, GA development labs with minimal travel requirements.

Other Duties

This job description is not exhaustive; duties may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team.

Benefits

• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short‑term disability and long‑term disability
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off
• Discount and Total Reward Programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.