Senior Application Scientist I

Agricultural Ingredients N. America; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Sensient Technologies Corporation seeks a Senior Applications Scientist I to drive beverage product development in a dynamic lab setting. You will collaborate with customers, sales, and internal teams to transform ideas into market-ready beverages.

The role emphasizes hands-on formulation, cross-functional teamwork, and occasional travel to customer sites, with leadership responsibilities for junior staff and pilot plant activities.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or similar field.
• At least 10 years experience in a laboratory setting developing beverages.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of beverage formulation, flavors, and ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead beverage product development for foodservice and away-from-home applications.
• Guide junior scientists, lab technicians, and interns on projects.
• Lead customer workshops, sensory panels, and plant runs.
• Collaborate with sales, product management, and plant teams; travel to customer sites as needed.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment with proper documentation.

Skills

Beverage formulation

Analytical lab techniques

Education

BS in Food Science/Biology/Chemistry or related field

Tools

Benchtop equipment

Job description

Senior Applications Scientist I

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

Position Summary

If you are energized by turning creative ideas into innovative beverage solutions and bringing new products to life, we are looking for a Senior Application Scientist to:

• Develop innovative and standard beverage products for customer growth opportunities, with a focus on foodservice and away-from-home beverage applications.
• Leverage expertise in flavors and beverage ingredients to create compelling solutions.
• Manage multiple projects independently while balancing priorities.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, and internal teams to solve challenges and drive innovation.
• Communicate product benefits and technical insights through customer presentations and demonstrations.
• Contribute ideas, technical expertise, and hands-on support in a collaborative team environment.
• Help drive new business growth by demonstrating the value of Sensient’s products.

This role is based on-site in a collaborative lab environment, where cross-functional teamwork and direct interaction with production teams and commercial partners are part of everyday work. Occasional travel may be required for customer visits and plant support.

What you’ll do

• Manage projects and drive new product development and innovation, including beverage development for foodservice and away-from-home applications.
• Guide junior scientists, lab technicians, and interns on projects.
• Lead customer workshops, sensory panels, pilot plant, and plant runs.
• Collaborate with sales, product management, and plant teams; travel to customer sites as needed.
• Operate, calibrate, and interpret benchtop and analytical laboratory equipment.
• Maintain accurate documentation, organized workspaces, and compliance with laboratory protocols.
• Demonstrate strong organization, attention to detail, communication, time management, and basic mathematical skills.

What you’ll bring

• BS degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or similar field, and a working knowledge of food applications as well as a basic knowledge of food processing.
• At least 10 years prior experience working in a laboratory environment, with demonstrated experience developing beverages, preferably for foodservice/away-from- home applications.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of beverage formulation, flavors, and beverage ingredients.
• Attention to detail and effective time management are critical for success.
• Must be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods and be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

What you’ll get

• A dynamic, creative environment with the opportunity to innovate and impact real products.
• Direct involvement with cross-functional teams and customer-facing activities.
• Access to a well-equipped pilot plant and application labs.
• Opportunities to grow through leadership, mentoring, and exposure to diverse product categories.
• A culture that values safety, collaboration, and scientific curiosity.
• Competitive compensation and benefits tailored to support your well-being and development.

About Sensient

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company’s customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world’s best-known brands.

About Sensient Flavors

Sensient Flavors offers innovative, global taste solutions and specialized flavor delivery systems that help bring life to your food and beverage products. Our leading-edge technologies reflect our core philosophies to be dynamic and innovative and to add value to your applications.

The salary range for this position is $125,000 - $145,000. Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions. In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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