Senior Beverage Scientist

CPS Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Job summary

A leading flavor and beverage innovation company is seeking a Senior Beverage Scientist in Chicago. The role involves developing and optimizing flavor systems for various beverages while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s in food science or a related field and extensive experience in beverage formulation. The salary range is $90,000 - $110,000. If interested, please contact for further details.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in beverage formulation or flavor applications.
• Experience with emulsions, sweetener systems, and functional ingredients.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimize beverages using internal flavor libraries.
• Collaborate with teams to innovate customer solutions.
• Maintain accurate records in laboratory management systems.

Skills

Beverage formulation experience

Analytical skills

Sensory acuity

Communication skills

Mathematical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, or a related field

Tools

Genesis R&D

Excel

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

Job description

We are seeking a creative and technically skilled Senior Beverage Scientist to join our customers Flavors R&D team. In this role, you will develop, test, and optimize flavor systems for a broad range of beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You will work closely with cross-functional teams such as sales, marketing, sensory, and flavor creation to deliver innovative solutions for customers and support internal product development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate, bench-test, and optimize beverages, including carbonated drinks, juices, plant-based beverages, RTD cocktails, alcoholic beverages, and energy drinks, using internal flavor libraries
• Select and apply flavors in accordance with customer briefs, market trends, and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with flavorists to match, adjust, and optimize flavors for desired performance
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, and shelf‑life challenges
• Support customer presentations and product innovation showcases
• Maintain detailed and accurate records in laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Mentor and guide junior scientists, technicians, and interns
• Assist with pilot plant trials and scale‑up activities
• Ensure laboratory safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance

Salary $90,000 - $110,000

Benefits

Benefits Available

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, or a related field
• 5–10+ years of experience in beverage formulation, product development, or flavor applications laboratory work (including internships/co‑ops)
• Experience across multiple beverage types and an understanding of unique formulation challenges
• Familiarity with emulsions, acidulants, sweetener systems, protein powders, dairy and non‑dairy ingredients, and functional ingredients
• Proficiency with analytical tools such as pH meters, Brix, titratable acidity, etc.
• Strong sensory acuity and ability to articulate flavor performance
• Excellent presentation, organizational, and communication skills
• Strong mathematical skills for calculations, proportions, percentages, weights, and algebra
• Team‑oriented, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with alcoholic beverage formulation and understanding of TTB regulations
• Proficiency with Genesis R&D, Excel, or LIMS (PV)
• Experience with pilot plant or manufacturing trials
• Knowledge of regulatory or labeling requirements for global beverage markets
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, cGMP, and GLP standards
• Experience with laboratory safety audits and compliance documentation

If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mike Ribandoat [e-mail].