Product Development Scientist

Join a creative team of scientists and engineers advancing beverage innovation. As a Product Development Scientist on the Coffee R&D team, you will lead liquid coffee beverages extraction science and product development—expanding extraction capabilities through a data-driven, experimental approach. This role is based in Burlington, MA and includes mostly domestic travel, and potentially international travel.

You will serve as the subject matter expert for bench and pilot extraction processes, partnering with internal and external teams to develop robust liquid coffee beverages aligned to current and future innovation priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop coffee extraction methodologies for liquid coffee beverages at lab, pilot, and commercial scale; maintain and expand extraction capabilities.
• Design and execute benchtop and pilot experiments to evaluate extraction parameters (e.g., TDS, yield, flow rate, temperature/pressure profiles, residence time, particle size); apply DOE and basic statistical methods.

• Define experimental protocols; maintain detailed records; deliver clear study reports with conclusions, recommendations, and next steps.
• Operate and/or supervise pilot extraction runs; coordinate sample collection and analytical measurements (pH, TDS/refractometry, flow rate, viscosity as applicable).
• Evaluate and vet equipment in partnership with processing/engineering.
• Manage suppliers and external partners for key ingredients, equipment, and trials.
• Translate lab results to manufacturing by supporting scale-up trials, defining operating parameters, updating operating instructions, and creating/maintaining product and process specifications.
• Lead commercialization by conducting plant trials and selected prototype testing (including guidance testing and in-market testing as applicable), developing initial cost of goods, and supporting packaging, labeling, and regulatory information needs.
• Ensure quality, safety, and risk assessment requirements are met; coordinate with QA and manufacturing to support start-up and implementation, including revising technical specifications as needed.
• Conduct shelf-life, stability, and sensory studies to confirm liquid coffee beverages quality following extraction or process changes.
• Analyze product, process, and technology trends; contribute to ideation sessions that inform new liquid coffee beverages concepts.
• Communicate results and technical requirements to cross-functional partners (product development, engineering, operations, QA, procurement); present findings to stakeholders; and maintain timelines and deliverables.
• Coach junior team members; supervise technicians/temporary staff as needed to build team capability.
• Maintain project documentation (e.g., technical manuals, recipe cards, preparation targets) and partner with legal to assess and document intellectual property as appropriate.
• Travel to company and manufacturing locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

• Salary range: $70,500 - $95,000
• 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 Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Food Engineering, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent directly related experience). Advanced degree a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in food/beverage R&D, process development, or a pilot plant environment (internships and relevant lab/plant experience considered).
• Hands-on experience designing and executing bench or pilot experiments; familiarity with design of experiments (DOE) and basic statistical analysis.
• Working knowledge of coffee extraction fundamentals (grind/extraction relationships, TDS measurement, brew ratios, extraction yield concepts, coffee roasting) or strong interest and demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
• Strong lab skills, including sample handling, accurate record keeping, and basic analytical measures (pH, refractometry/TDS, density/flow rate, viscosity where relevant).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to summarize experimental results and recommend next steps.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in coffee roasting and/or coffee beverage R&D (e.g., RTD coffee).
• Experience with pilot coffee extraction equipment, industrial brew systems, or RTD coffee operations.
• Coursework or experience in process scale-up, unit operations, heat transfer, mass transfer, and practical brewing science.
• Familiarity with sensory testing protocols (or willingness to learn and participate).
• Experience with statistical tools and analysis.

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.