Senior Scientist, R&D

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter

Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we’re committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages.

The Research & Development (R&D) team drives innovation, product development, and technological advancements across its juice and beverage portfolio. Focused on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations, the team ensures products meet evolving consumer preferences. They lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring efficient execution while aligning with business goals. Committed to sustainability, they develop innovative packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they uphold rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, validating health claims and ensuring compliance. With a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and process engineering, the team optimizes manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence. Collaborating closely with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers, Tropicana’s R&D team plays a crucial role in keeping products competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands.

Your Next Pour: The Opportunity

We are looking to add a Senior Scientist, R&D to our Research & Development team. This role will be responsible for leading consumer-driven innovation, quality improvement, and productivity initiatives for the KeVita and IZZE brands. The ideal candidate will bring a strong ownership mindset, thrive in ambiguity, and demonstrate exceptional cross-functional collaboration and communication skills. Tropicana Brands Group is looking for a critical thinker with exceptional influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead and execute innovation, quality/product improvement, and productivity initiatives.
• Develop product formulations leveraging expertise in food/beverage chemistry and ingredient functionality.
• Design and execute experiments; analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations.
• Provide technical risk assessments and perspectives related to new product development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering, and other teams.
• Perform economic evaluations on ingredients and formulations to drive profitability.
• Develop and maintain product attribute specifications for ingredients and finished products.
• Utilize innovative and critical thinking to solve organizational challenges and deliver projects on time and on budget.

The Perfect Blend: Experience

• 4+ years of experience in product development; beverage experience a plus.
• Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of product development protocols including formulation, stability testing, sensory and consumer testing.
• Experience working in lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration and project management.

Foundational Ingredients: Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science & Technology or related scientific field; advanced degree preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be located in Chicago, IL or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations.
• Ability to travel up to 15–25% domestically.

Perks That Pack a Punch

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.

The salary range for this position is $71,000 - $96,000