Sr Product Development Scientist

Keurig Dr Pepper; New Jersey; On-site; USD 76,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Mileage Reimbursement

Annual Bonus

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper in New Jersey is seeking a Sr. Product Development Scientist to lead the development and commercialization of innovative coffee and powdered beverage products.

You will collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, and external suppliers to turn concepts into market-ready offerings. The role requires strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, hands-on problem solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects across brands in a fast-paced, lab-driven environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Chemical Engineering; advanced degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in food/beverage R&D/Quality or related fields.
• Experience with Coffee and Powder Beverages a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Leads bench-top experiments, formula calculations, and develops products for multiple KDP brands for in-home and away-from-home occasions.
• Interprets test results, writes technical reports, and communicates findings within the organization.
• Verifies formula accuracy, completes documentation, and leads pilot trials and scale-up.
• Leads commercialization work from idea to launch in cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, etc.).
• Partners with R&D functions (Sensory, Ingredients, Nutrition, Regulatory, Flavor Tech, Chemistry, Process Eng, Technical Services).
• Delivers updates to key stakeholders and cross-functional peers.

Skills

Collaboration

Technical execution

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Leadership

Adaptability

Education

B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Chemical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Overview:

The Sr. Product Development Scientist leads the development and commercialization of innovative products across a growing portfolio of coffee and powdered beverages. Positioned within R&D, this role works cross-functionally with internal teams and closely partners with external ingredient suppliers.

This position requires a strong foundation in ingredient functionality and product development, paired with a deep understanding of consumer needs and preferences. The ideal candidate brings creativity and technical expertise to ideate, develop, and refine products for both in-home and away-from-home occasions.

A passion for new product development is essential, along with intellectual curiosity, hands‑on problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, lab-driven environment. The Sr. Product Development Scientist combines innovation, technical rigor, and agility to drive impactful product launches.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Leads bench‑top experiments, formula calculations, and develops products for a variety of KDP brands and products for at-home and away‑from‑home occasions.
• Interprets test results, writes technical reports, and effectively communicates information within the organization
• Verifies formula accuracy, completes formula documentation, and leads organization of pilot trials and scale up
• Fully understands R&D functions and project management process to lead the commercialization of ideas to launch
• Partners with various functions of R&D (Sensory, Ingredients, Nutrition, Regulatory, Flavor Technology, Chemistry, Process Engineering, and Technical Services)
• Influences and actively participates in Marketing and Consumer Research programs to gain consumer insights, and translate into key product concepts
• Manages multiples projects and represents R&D in cross‑functional teams consisting of members across various departments of KDP (R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales)
• Delivers updates on projects within the business to key stakeholders and cross‑functional peers
• Develop the ability to effectively communicate technical information to senior leadership
• Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement within function
• Maintains accurate and detailed record of laboratory work
• Work appropriately and safely in a laboratory environment
• Use formulation software to document lab work and formulas
• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience in adapting to changing business needs and priorities
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion
• A successful candidate will exhibit a passion for innovation, is results driven and takes ownership of work.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members to support their professional growth and enhance team performance.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Total Rewards:

• Salary range: $76,400 – $115,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Requirements:

• B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Chemical Engineering. Advanced degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in a related function within food/beverage (R&D, Quality), CPG, and/or commensurate advanced education
• Experience with Coffee and Powder Beverages a plus.
• Ability to travel as required (Up to 25%).

Capabilities:

• Highly collaborative, self‑motivated, takes initiative; positively influence others.
• Strong technical and executional skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Change readiness, resiliency and flexibility to thrive in a constantly changing and fast‑moving organization.

Company Overview:

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be anemployer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well‑being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure:

KDP uses artificial intelligence toassistwithinitialresume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficientlyidentifycandidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members. If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly [e-mail] lieu of clicking Apply.In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words 'AI Opt-Out' and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject linein your email application.