PepsiCo

R&D Scientist - poppi

PepsiCo$80K — $135K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline
  • 2+ years of experience in the food or beverage industry, preferably in beverage application development
  • Outstanding teamwork and communication skills
  • Quick learner with a grasp on beverage manufacturing science
  • Strategic and data-driven product development approach
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities

Responsibilities

  • Develop new beverage applications and improve existing products
  • Document and cost finished goods formulas, identifying cost optimization opportunities
  • Source and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment for development
  • Analyze functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients
  • Collect data on nutritional content and make product recommendations
  • Travel to suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials
  • Collaborate with QA, SRA, and Legal to ensure formula consistency
  • Prepare beverages for analytical evaluations and sensory testing
  • Document trial reports and project statuses accurately
  • Manage Tech Center runs and shelf-life testing
  • Adhere to safety protocols and maintain GMP in all settings
  • Comply with company policies and contribute to a positive work culture

Benefits

  • Bonus based on performance, target payout is 5% of annual salary
  • Paid time off including parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Insurance options including Life and Disability
  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
Full Job Description
This role will be based out of poppi R&D lab in Austin, TX. We are looking for a candidate with benchtop formulation and flavor experience in the beverage category, with an innovation mindset to develop and refine new and existing poppi products. This role requires the ability to work cross-functionally with the QA, Operations, and Procurement teams and external partners to ensure diligence in the development, scale-up, and commercialization of products. This role is responsible for also supporting poppi's strategic R&D initiatives, including continuous improvements in sensory, scalability, cost, technical advancements, and functional efficacy. This role will assist other R&D scientists and managers with new product ideation and concept development, as well as troubleshooting technical product issues.

Responsibilities

  • Hands-on development of new beverage applications (preferably: soft drinks, enhanced waters, energy drinks) and improvement of existing products
  • Create and document finished goods formulas for costing and production, and identify opportunities for cost optimization
  • Partner, source, and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment for product development
  • Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients in finished products using industry-established analytical and sensory tools
  • Employ in-house labs or external analytical lab partners to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging testing, micro testing, etc. and make recommendations
  • Open to travel to ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed
  • Work in collaboration with the QA, SRA, Legal, and other departments to ensure that the commercial-ready formulas are consistent from a sensory, food safety and legal perspective
  • Accurately prepare laboratory beverages and concentrates and submit samples for analytical, corrosivity, and sensory evaluation
  • Initiate and maintain documentation of trial reports, experimental write-ups, analytical testing, stability testing, handover documents, and presentation cascades
  • Communicate the timely status of project progress to the manager and the cross-functional team
  • Organize and manage Tech Center runs, shelf-life testing, and oxidation studies
  • Perform all activities safely and in accordance with all PepsiCo and poppi safety protocols, maintaining GMP in laboratory, pilot plant, and factory settings. Ensure competent training & operation of all relevant equipment & processes.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant Code of Business Principles, site, and company policies
  • Positively add to and harness the progressive culture that has already been developed

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $80,700 - $135,100.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 5% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.


Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline
  • 2+ years of experience in the food or beverage industry, preferably in beverage application development.
  • Outstanding teamwork and communication skills
  • Quick learning, able to grasp the basics of the science of beverage manufacturing
  • Strategic and data-driven approach to developing best-in-class products
  • Great written and verbal communication skills

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo Careers

Joining PepsiCo's global team offers more than just a chance to excel in your career; it's an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and diverse environment where innovation thrives. Work You’ll Do At PepsiCo, we are committed to producing great leaders and fostering a culture of innovation. Our team is dedicated to empowering professionals to master their career paths with PepsiCo. As a leader in the food and beverage industry, we offer unique job opportunities that intersect with cutting-edge technology and market leadership. Lead with Unique Opportunities PepsiCo stands at the forefront of the industry, not only in terms of product quality but also in our approach to leadership and professional growth. We offer a variety of employment paths, including full-time positions, internships, and leadership training programs that are designed to foster diversity and accelerate career development. Work with a Global Team Collaborate with over 260,000 employees worldwide who are united in delivering joy not only to our consumers but also in driving innovation and growth within the company. PepsiCo’s commitment to global diversity and inclusive culture makes it a prime environment for professional development and networking. Introducing PepsiCo’s Professional Growth and Development Programs We are committed to nurturing talent through comprehensive training programs and robust benefits that support both personal and professional growth. Our programs are tailored to help employees at every level of their career to advance and succeed. Innovate and Lead Join the largest team of food and beverage industry experts—dedicated professionals at the intersection of consumer needs, innovative technology, and sustainable practices. Deliver targeted solutions and drive industry leadership through a depth and breadth of knowledge and innovation that’s second to none. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that impacts millions of lives worldwide. At PepsiCo, you’ll harness the power of our global resources and the creativity of our people to improve the way the world accesses the foods and beverages it loves. Future-Proof Your Career With PepsiCo, the sky is the limit when it comes to where your ambition can take you. We offer unmatched opportunities for career advancement along with the training, internship programs, and certification support needed to thrive in your professional journey. Explore Discover how PepsiCo is leading the way in digital innovation and sustainable practices while maintaining a steadfast focus on diversity and employee well-being. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to take their career to the next level. SEARCH PEPSICO JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at PepsiCo.
Learn more about PepsiCo
Size
309,000 employees
Market Cap
$250.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7.1 billion
Founded
1965
5 Year Trend
+4.8%
Revenue
$70.3 billion
NASDAQ

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