Savory Application Scientist II – Product Development (Sauces & Dressings)
Job Title: Savory Application Scientist II – Product Development (Sauces & Dressings)
Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA (On-site)
Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000
About the Role
Sensient Flavors is seeking a creative and collaborative Application Scientist to join its product development team in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for formulating and developing innovative food products, with a specific focus on sauces, dips, and dressings. You will work closely with both internal teams and external clients to bring concepts from the lab bench to commercial reality. If you thrive in a collaborative lab environment and enjoy solving technical challenges, you are encouraged to apply. Send your resume and cover letter to support@flavorist.com
Key Responsibilities
- Product Formulation: Lead hands-on development activities in the lab and pilot plant, creating and refining formulas for finished food products.
- Project Management: Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines while ensuring technical accuracy.
- Experimentation: Design and execute bench-top and pilot plant trials, utilizing processing equipment to test and validate new concepts.
- Data Analysis: Identify technical hurdles, interpret experimental data, and propose effective, creative solutions that align with business goals.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sensory, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Marketing, and Production teams to ensure seamless product scale-up and market alignment.
- Technical Expertise: Serve as a technical resource for clients, presenting product concepts, conducting demonstrations, and supporting customer trials.
- Documentation: Maintain precise records of formulations, processing parameters, project timelines, and technical reports in compliance with company standards.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Food Science or a related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in the food industry, with a proven track record in developing sauces, dips, and dressings. Experience with soups, broths, seasonings, or batters is a plus.
- Technical Skills: Deep understanding of food ingredients, functional interactions, and processing methods. Must have a strong command of flavor chemistry and the application of flavor enhancers.
- Sensory Acumen: Highly developed organoleptic skills (taste, smell, texture) and the ability to articulate sensory attributes using standard industry language.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to present technical information to customers and stakeholders.
- Travel: Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time for client meetings, production trials, and industry events.
What Sensient Offers
- Impactful Work: The chance to see your formulations move from the lab to the grocery store shelf.
- Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment where you work side-by-side with production and commercial teams.
- Professional Development: Access to mentorship programs, technical training, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
- Work Environment: A dynamic, on-site role offering the perfect blend of independent research and team-based problem solving.
- Total Rewards: A competitive compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your health, wealth, and well-being.
Company Overview
Sensient is a global leader in the development of specialty food and beverage systems. By leveraging advanced technologies and deep market insights, Sensient Technologies partners with the world’s most recognized brands to create products that delight consumers. The company is committed to innovation, quality, and the professional growth of its employees.
Contact: Support@flavorist.com
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