Senior Beverage Application Technologist
Location:

On-site – Addison, Illinois

Department:

R&D / Laboratory

Reports To:

Manager, Flavor & Culinary Applications

Position Summary:

A growing flavor and ingredient innovator is seeking a Senior Beverage Application Technologist to join its R&D team on-site in Addison, Illinois. This role is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of innovative beverage solutions to support strategic customer initiatives and drive revenue growth. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation, hands-on application experience, and a passion for beverage innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop beverage applications for strategic customer presentations, product demos, and industry trade shows.
- Serve as a technical consultant to customers on formulation, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead pilot trials and support scale-up and commercialization activities on-site.
- Execute lab projects efficiently and accurately.
- Collaborate with the applications team on tastings, concept development, and training.
- Attend seminars, webinars, and conferences to stay informed on industry trends.
- Assist customers with sourcing alternatives for raw materials.
- Manage raw material inventory and maintain a well-organized lab space.
- Conduct sensory evaluations to validate formulation performance and customer expectations.
- Compound and blend flavors for internal use and customer requests.
- Ensure a clean, organized, and well-stocked lab environment.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Physical Sciences, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in beverage application development (8+ years preferred).
- Expertise in a broad range of beverages, including:
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Alcoholic drinks (beer, spirits, liqueurs, etc.)
  • Functional beverages (performance nutrition, adaptogens, nootropics)
  • UHT and aseptic beverages
- Skilled in product labeling and regulatory requirements.
- Experience conducting pilot plant work and scaling formulations to production.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new software.
- Strong attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills.
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced lab environment.

Performance Metrics:

Performance will be evaluated based on the timely and accurate execution of assigned tasks, adherence to company procedures, achievement of project goals, and demonstration of the following competencies:
- Technical Knowledge
- Work Quality
- Sound Judgment
- Collaboration & Initiative
- Communication

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

- In-office position with lab responsibilities at the Addison, Illinois location.
- Frequent standing, sitting, and use of lab equipment.
- Ability to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds.
- Normal vision, hearing, and mobility required.
- Moderate noise levels in lab and office settings.

Compensation:

$90,000 – $120,000 base salary, plus additional discretionary bonus potential

Disclaimer:

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.
 

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