Principal Scientist-Food & Beverage
milwaukee, WI, US
Scientific
Bachelors Degree
Full Time, Direct Hire
$125,000-140,000
Experienced (Non-Manager)
On-site
Food and Beverage Production
First Shift (Day)
milwaukee, WI, US
$125,000-140,000
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Full Time, Direct Hire
Food and Beverage Production
On-site
Scientific
Bachelors Degree
First Shift (Day)
Job details
Principal Scientist- Food & Beverage
Milwaukee, WI | $125,000 – $140,000 + Benefits
Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Innovation
Are you an expert in emulsion science with a passion for solving complex formulation challenges?
We are seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of advanced emulsion systems for food and beverage applications. This is a high-impact opportunity to work at the intersection of science, innovation, and customer collaboration while driving next-generation ingredient solutions.
In this role, you’ll serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, partnering with cross-functional teams and customers to develop stable, scalable, and high-performing emulsion technologies that meet both commercial and regulatory requirements.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and optimize oil-in-water, water-in-oil, and specialty emulsion systems for food and beverage applications
- Design and execute formulation experiments to improve stability, functionality, and scalability
- Apply expertise in emulsifier selection, interfacial chemistry, and stabilization mechanisms
Solve Complex Technical Challenges
- Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues related to phase separation, instability, pH, temperature, and processing conditions
- Evaluate emulsion performance including color stability, dispersion characteristics, and sensory impact
- Establish robust testing protocols, analytical methods, and product specifications
Drive Commercial Success
- Lead pilot plant and scale-up activities from bench development through commercial production
- Collaborate with R&D, Applications, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams
- Partner directly with customers to understand technical challenges and deliver innovative solutions
Influence Future Technologies
- Stay at the forefront of emerging ingredient technologies and advancements in emulsion science
- Contribute technical leadership across strategic product development initiatives
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in emulsion science, food science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
- Deep expertise in emulsion formulation, stabilization mechanisms, and surfactant/emulsifier systems
- Strong experience supporting beverage systems and/or liquid food applications
- Proven success scaling products from laboratory development to pilot and commercial manufacturing
- Strong understanding of physical chemistry, colloidal systems, and rheology
- Hands-on experience with analytical techniques including particle size analysis, microscopy, and stability testing
- Demonstrated project leadership and ability to manage multiple technical initiatives
- Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with natural colors, flavors, or functional ingredients
- Customer-facing technical support or applications experience
- Knowledge of food and beverage regulatory and quality requirements
- Experience in fast-paced, innovation-driven product development environments
Education
- BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline
- Strong foundation in physical chemistry, colloid science, or interfacial science preferred
Why Join Us?
- Lead high-visibility technical projects that directly impact customers and commercial success
- Collaborate with industry-leading scientists and innovators
- Work on cutting-edge food and beverage technologies
- Influence next-generation emulsion platforms and ingredient solutions
- Enjoy a collaborative culture focused on innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous growth
Compensation
Base Salary: $125,000 – $140,000
If you’re passionate about translating advanced emulsion science into real-world commercial solutions, we’d love to hear from you.
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