Flavor Science Associate Scientist

Overview

PepsiCo is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Flavor Specification Scientist to join the R&D Technical Brand Stewardship Flavor Specifications team. This role provides an opportunity to develop expertise in flavor science, flavor chemistry, and ingredient specifications while supporting the development and commercialization of innovative beverage products. The successful candidate will partner with flavor suppliers and cross-functional teams to create new ingredient specifications that support innovation across PepsiCo brands. This position offers hands-on exposure to flavor chemistry, analytical chemistry techniques, ingredient quality systems, and regulatory requirements while building a strong foundation in flavor science.

Responsibilities

Specification Development & Management

• Generate fit-for-purpose specifications by applying flavor system expertise.

• Create technical specifications in accordance with global ingredient standards

• Lead the end-to-end specification development process through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive spec completion and meet deadlines.

• Coordinate raw material testing to qualify new materials

Flavor Chemistry & Analytical Evaluation

• Research flavor systems and apply learnings to create fit-for-purpose flavor raw material specifications.

• Evaluate materials and recommend analytical methodologies for raw material acceptance criteria

• Research flavor chemistry and marker compounds to support specification development.

• Leverage results from a variety of analytical techniques, including GC-MS, GC-FID, RI, and SG to generate material insights

Regulatory, Quality & Risk Assessment

• Consult SMEs, FCC & JECFA monographs, and other applicable resources to ensure regulatory compliance.

Spec Process Support

• Maintain shared worklists and tracking tools to support prioritization and stakeholder alignment.

• Contribute to process improvements and best practices within the specification function

• Perform sensory evaluations as need to support business activities.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $73,600 - $123,150.

• 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.

• 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

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field.

• Knowledge of analytical techniques, including GC-FID, GC-MS, and supporting software such as Agilent Mass Hunter.

• Strong understanding of chemistry and ingredient functionality.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex documentation.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Key Success Factors

• Strong technical curiosity and drive to continuously expand flavor and chemistry knowledge.

• Ability to balance scientific rigor with business priorities.

• Effective collaboration across cross-functional teams and external partners.

• High level of organization, accountability, and execution.

EEO Statement

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy. Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.