About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for iconic brands that delight consumers worldwide. Through its innovative joint venture Pepsi Lipton with Unilever, PepsiCo dominates the ready-to-drink tea segment with powerhouse brands like Lipton, Brisk, Pure Leaf, and Yachak. Valued at $3.0 billion and experiencing double-digit net revenue growth, Pepsi Lipton operates across diverse markets from Western Europe and Australia to the United States and Latin America. The company's agile structure—spanning franchise, company-owned, and third-party manufacturing—positions it for accelerated expansion, with innovation at the core of its success.

At the heart of this growth is PepsiCo's world-class R&D network, anchored in Valhalla, New York, and Colworth, UK. Valhalla serves as the primary hub for North America and Latin America, supporting global programs with cutting-edge product and process development. Pepsi Lipton's independent operation, backed by two industry giants, offers unparalleled autonomy, broad responsibilities, and exposure to senior leadership and international talent. Joining PepsiCo means stepping into a dynamic environment where impactful contributions drive real business results.

Role Overview

The Product Dev Associate Scientist role at PepsiCo's Valhalla, New York facility is a junior-level opportunity within the Pepsi Lipton R&D team. Focused on North American development for Brisk and Pure Leaf brands, this position places you at the forefront of innovation in the ready-to-drink tea category. As a key member of cross-functional project teams, you'll own practical, lab-based activities in food laboratories and pilot plants, delivering prototypes that meet consumer needs and regulatory standards.

This full-time role demands hands-on expertise in product formulation, ingredient management, and project execution. With occasional short business trips (1-3 per year) within the U.S., you'll collaborate with global stakeholders, Material Expert Teams (METs), and Quality Assurance to bring products from concept to scale-up. Ideal for early-career scientists passionate about food innovation, this position offers a salary range of $70,700 - $118,400 USD per year, reflecting PepsiCo's commitment to competitive compensation.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive end-to-end product development for assigned projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality excellence. Core duties include:

• Designing and executing practical lab-based work programs, including experimental protocols and data analysis.
• Contributing to project timelines, risk assessments, and resource planning.
• Sourcing ingredients by liaising with suppliers, METs, and specification teams to integrate into PepsiCo systems.
• Generating prototypes, coordinating pilot plant runs, and managing non-standard ingredient orders.
• Owning product documentation for consumer testing, regulatory registration, and local business unit needs.
• Delivering functional specifications using digital tools, aligning with artwork, labeling, QA, and concentrate teams.
• Leading scale-up trials, briefing Technical Contact Managers (TCMs), and ensuring trial success.
• Collaborating with Consumer Technical Insights (CTI), sensory teams, and brand insights for tastings and feedback.
• Managing prototype shipments to test locations and stakeholders.
• Maintaining lab notes, trial reports, and presentations while ensuring regulatory compliance.

These responsibilities highlight the role's emphasis on practical execution and cross-functional influence in a fast-paced R&D setting.

Qualifications & Requirements

PepsiCo seeks candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related discipline. 1-3 years of hands-on experience in food or beverage product development is preferred, along with proficiency in laboratory techniques, formulation, and sensory evaluation. Strong project management skills, familiarity with digital specification systems, and knowledge of food regulations are essential.

Key soft skills include excellent communication for stakeholder liaison, problem-solving for risk mitigation, and adaptability in a matrixed global organization. Experience with tea-based products or ready-to-drink beverages is a plus. Candidates must thrive in entrepreneurial environments, demonstrating initiative and attention to detail in lab and pilot plant settings.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your professional and personal growth. Enjoy a competitive salary of $70,700 - $118,400 USD annually, with potential for performance-based upside. Additional perks include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and employee discounts on PepsiCo products.

Work in a state-of-the-art Valhalla facility with access to global R&D resources. Benefit from occasional U.S. travel for business trips, fostering networking and exposure. Pepsi Lipton's joint venture structure provides unique autonomy, high visibility to leadership, and collaboration with Unilever experts, all while enjoying PepsiCo's robust career development programs.

Career Growth

This Associate Scientist role is a launchpad for ambitious professionals in PepsiCo's R&D pipeline. Gain broad exposure across North America, Latin America, and global projects, building expertise in tea innovation and scalable manufacturing. High-impact responsibilities accelerate skill development in formulation, project leadership, and regulatory affairs.

PepsiCo invests in talent through mentorship, training, and rotational opportunities between Valhalla and Colworth sites. Many alumni advance to senior scientist, project manager, or innovation lead roles, leveraging the joint venture's entrepreneurial culture for rapid progression in the $3B+ Pepsi Lipton business.

Why Join Us

Choose PepsiCo for a career where your work shapes billion-dollar brands like Brisk and Pure Leaf. In Valhalla, you'll join a hub of innovation supporting diverse markets with varying consumer habits and routes-to-market. The Pepsi Lipton team's independence fosters smart, influential contributions amid big responsibilities and global visibility.

With volume growth and double-digit revenue increases, this is your chance to impact a thriving segment. Visit www.liptonicedtea.com to explore our brands and apply for this premium opportunity in New York's Valhalla.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range?

The disclosed range is $70,700 - $118,400 USD per year, with potential for higher based on experience.

Is travel required?

Occasional short U.S. trips (1-3 per year) may be needed.

What brands will I work on?

Primarily North American Brisk and Pure Leaf development.

What qualifications are needed?

Bachelor's in Food Science or related field; R&D experience preferred.

Is this a full-time role?

Yes, full-time position in Valhalla, NY.