Senior R&D Beverage Chemist

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; San Fernando (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom seeks a Sr R&D Chemist to own beverage product development from formulation to production scale, mentoring junior chemists and delivering technical solutions that reach grocery shelves nationwide.

This full-time contract-to-hire role involves independent work on R&D projects with cross-functional support, directly influencing product strategy and customer success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on chemist experience in food and/or beverage product development.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent laboratory technique and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Outstanding communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop new and improve existing beverage products (juice concentrates, flavors) based on customer requirements and in-house innovation goals.
• Lead feasibility analyses for R&D projects, considering production capacity, equipment, technology, and timeline constraints.
• Create master formulas, compounding instructions, and detailed product specification sheets; provide technical documentation to customers.
• Perform cost analysis and recommend selling prices on all product work.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior R&D Chemists and Lab Technicians; establish lab procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Engage directly with customers to understand technical requirements, troubleshoot formulations, and provide on-site support for first-time production runs.
• Partner with Quality Control and Production teams to ensure new products scale smoothly and meet specifications.
• Handle sample requests and manage R&D operations as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required; occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Laboratory technique

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering

Job description

Join an industry-leading beverage innovation company and develop the next generation of juice concentrates and flavored beverages. As Sr R&D Chemist, you'll own product development from formulation to production scale, mentor junior chemists, and deliver technical solutions that reach grocery shelves nationwide.

About the Role

This is a full-time contract-to-hire position offering a clear pathway to permanent employment. You'll work independently on R&D projects with collaborative support from cross-functional teams, directly influencing product strategy and customer success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new and improve existing beverage products (juice concentrates, flavors) based on customer requirements and in-house innovation goals
• Lead feasibility analyses for R&D projects, considering production capacity, equipment, technology, and timeline constraints
• Create master formulas, compounding instructions, and detailed product specification sheets; provide technical documentation to customers
• Perform cost analysis and recommend selling prices on all product work
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior R&D Chemists and Lab Technicians; establish lab procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards
• Engage directly with customers to understand technical requirements, troubleshoot formulations, and provide on-site support for first-time production runs
• Partner with Quality Control and Production teams to ensure new products scale smoothly and meet specifications
• Handle sample requests and manage R&D operations as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as required; occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on chemist experience in food and/or beverage product development
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent laboratory technique and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Outstanding communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

Preferred:

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior chemistry or lab staff
• Track record developing juice concentrates, flavors, or functional beverages
• Familiarity with beverage industry regulations (FDA, labeling, stability testing)