Principal Scientist (Liquid Product Development)

CPS Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits Available

Job summary

CPS Inc. seeks a Principal Scientist (Liquid Product Development) to lead formulation, processing, and shelf-life strategies for shelf-stable liquids. You will partner with manufacturing, engage customers, and manage multiple projects from concept to commercialization.

The role requires deep expertise in microbiological stability, water activity, pH control, thermal processing, and preservation systems, with a strong focus on delivering safe, high-quality products. On-site with up to 30% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a relevant science field with 10+ years R&D experience.
• Experience scaling shelf-stable liquids from bench to plant with trials.
• Direct customer interfacing in technical capacity and co-development.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development from concept through commercialization while meeting shelf-life objectives.
• Scale formulations with plant trials, establish specs, and ensure manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on innovation and commercialization projects.
• Mentor junior scientists and promote best practices in R&D processes.

Skills

Formulation

Product development

Scale-up

Customer interfacing

Project leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline

Advanced degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Principal Scientist (Liquid Product Development) Ready to shape the future of shelf-stable innovation? You will serve as a technical subject matter expert in the development and commercialization of shelf-stable liquid food products. This role requires deep expertise in formulation, processing (thermal / non-thermal), and shelf-life stability, combined with strong manufacturing integration, direct customer engagement, and project leadership capabilities. This role is on-site; travel is required up to 30% with the majority being local.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Product Development

Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in food science, chemistry, and product development with a focus on shelf-stable liquid systems (e.g., emulsions, sauces, dressings, beverages). Lead formulation development from concept through commercialization, ensuring products meet customer expectations, sensory, quality, cost, and shelf-life objectives. Apply advanced understanding of microbiological stability, water activity, pH control, thermal processing, and preservation systems to ensure product safety and compliance. Drive troubleshooting and optimization efforts for formulas, process, and ingredient functionality.

Manufacturing Integration

Partner closely with operations to scale formulations from bench to plant, ensuring manufacturability and efficiency. Demonstrate working knowledge of processing technologies. Lead plant trials, establish product specifications, and process validation.

Project & Portfolio Leadership

Take part in cross-functional teams across short- and long-term innovation and commercialization projects. Teams will consist of customer personnel, company personnel and in some cases, competitor personnel. Manage multiple concurrent projects with compressed timelines and delivery accountability.

Customer & Commercial Engagement

Interface directly with customers to understand technical requirements, present solutions, and resolve product challenges. Translate customer needs into actionable development strategies and deliver commercially viable outcomes. Possess communication skills to support customer presentations with technical commentary and data-back decision making.

People Development & Knowledge Leadership

Mentor and coach junior scientists to help contribute personnel development within the R&D organization. Promote best practices and continuous improvement within product development and commercialization processes.

Salary $110,000 - $125,000 + Bonus Benefits Available

Qualifications:

Required: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline. Minimum 10+ years of direct, hands-on R&D experience in shelf-stable liquid food or beverage development. Proven experience scaling products from bench to full manufacturing, including plant trial leadership. Direct experience interfacing with customers in a technical capacity (co-development, troubleshooting, presentations). Preferred: Advanced degree in Food Science or related field. Experience in high-paced, customer-driven product development environments (e.g., B2B ingredient or food manufacturing companies).