Sr Product Development Scientist

This role leads the formulation and scale‑up of powdered beverage systems—with an emphasis on single‑serve platforms—by applying engineering fundamentals, material science, and product development best practices. The Sr Product Development Scientist will design powders that meet performance, nutrition, and sensory targets while remaining robust in manufacturing, packaging, and consumer use.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize powdered beverage formulations (coffee-adjacent, functional, dairy/non‑dairy, flavored systems) for single‑serve and other preparations
• Apply engineering and physical chemistry principles (thermodynamics, mass/heat transfer, fluid flow, particle interactions) to improve dissolution, dispersion, stability, and consistency.
• Design powders with controlled flowability, density, hygroscopicity, agglomeration, and dissolution kinetics.
• Partner closely with R&D, Sensory, Nutrition, Packaging, Procurement, and Operations to transition formulations from bench to commercialization.
• Lead pilot‑ and plant‑scale trials; define critical material attributes (CMAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs).
• Diagnose and resolve manufacturing and field issues related to powder handling, fill performance, clumping, segregation, or consumer prep in collaboration with processing engineers
• Document formulations, specifications, and experimental results; contribute to technical readiness and risk assessments.
• Support innovation platforms requiring nutritional claims (protein, functionality, reduced sugar, fortification, etc.) and understand formulation implications.

• Salary range: $76,400 – $115,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, or related field. MS or PhD Preferred
• 7+ years of experience in product development or processing, preferably developing dry powders or granulated food systems (beverages strongly preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Powder flow and bulk solids behavior
  • Thermal and mass transfer
  • Dissolution and rehydration mechanics
  • Particle size distribution and morphology
• Experience translating lab formulations to pilot and full‑scale manufacturing.

Preferred / Differentiating Skills

• Experience with single‑serve formats.
• Understanding of nutritional ingredients and claims (protein systems, sweeteners, fibers, fortification).
• Familiarity with agglomeration, spray drying, blending, or densification processes.
• Ability to apply engineering thinking within a consumer‑led product development environment.
• Strong technical communication and cross‑functional influence.
• Experience with coffee based beverages.

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.