R&D Senior Principal Scientist - High Moisture Foods

Company: PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH
Location: Plano
Posted on: May 1, 2025

Job Description:

OverviewPepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader operating in more than 200 countries and territories with a product portfolio that includes 22 world-famous, billion-dollar brands. From Gatorade to Quaker, LIFEWTR to Lay's, we make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world.Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the global leader in convenient foods and beverages by Winning with Purpose. "Winning with Purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business.Our employees drive our culture. No two days are the same; we're dynamic and full of passionate teams embracing new ideas through our collaborative spirit. At PepsiCo, what makes you unique, makes us better!This PepsiCo Foods North America R&D Sr. Principal Scientist will lead refresh, reframe, and breakthrough product and process development across the high-moisture foods refrigerated and shelf-stable Dips, Salsa, and Sauces platform, a $1B+ business within PFNA. This role will lead high-profile innovation, capacity building, and brand stewardship initiatives to sustain and grow the core business. Initiatives will include new idea generation, prototype development, product optimization, process development and scale-up, and production start-up for test market and national launch of new products for the PFNA team. This role will immediately take on high-profile development and capacity projects to help continue platform growth. This position is a highly collaborative role, requiring an ability to make strong working relationships with cross-functional teams and an ability to embrace and drive PepsiCo Foods must-win objectives.Responsibilities

• Lead Dips / Salsa & high moisture food Breakthrough Innovation through ingredients, formulation, process technologies, and packaging interaction.
• Explore new ingredients, products, and processes leveraging internal and external resources.
• Work with Product Supply and Co-Manufacturing facilities to evaluate, qualify, and commercialize additional platform capacity.
• Design and execute experiments. Analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues.
• Communicate impact to the business.
• Coordinate production at bench top, pilot plant, and manufacturing levels for shelf life, stability, sales samples, scale-up, and other needs.
• Heavy interaction and direct engagement with Contract Manufacturing & Ingredient Suppliers.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships across R&D and non-R&D functions, including Procurement, Co-Manufacturing, Quality, SRA, and Legal.
• Provide trial and commercialization support to products at co-manufacturing facilities.
• Effectively manage multiple projects (new and existing) and project types (Innovation, Productivity, and Brand Stewardship), develop work streams, define resource needs, and drive alignment.
• Input, review, and finalize formula specifications and ingredient specifications.
• Actively participate in Marketing Research, including focus groups, consumer research, etc.
• Perform basic economic evaluations on ingredients, suppliers, and formulations.
• Support talent development by providing guidance and oversight to less experienced developers and technicians.
• Represent R&D on multi-functional business teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering, and other groups.
• Influence others through strong communication & interpersonal skills.
• Travel 25-30%Compensation & Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $118,700 - $198,800.
  • 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.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 15% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • 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
    • M.S. or PhD degree in Food Science or Food Engineering or related field with 9+ years of experience - ideal experience working with high-moisture foods and thermal processing in rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible containers (shelf stable and refrigerated products).
    • PhD preferred.
    • Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality & formulation chemistry.
    • Strong working knowledge of experimental design & product development protocols (from concept to execution), including formulation, stability testing, product/package interaction, and sensory and consumer testing methodology.
    • Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously.
    • Adapts to change. Demonstrates personal leadership to influence and positively motivate self and peers.
    • Outstanding teamwork and communication skills.
    • Can effectively work with various functions regardless of level (from techs to leadership).
    • Strong organization, documentation, and formula management skills.EEO StatementOur 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 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 IdentityIf you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available & documents. View .Please view our
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Keywords: PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, Denton , R&D Senior Principal Scientist - High Moisture Foods, Other , Plano, Texas