About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates globally, delivering innovative products that delight consumers while prioritizing sustainability and health. With over 300,000 employees worldwide, PepsiCo invests heavily in R&D to drive product innovation, particularly in beverages. The Valhalla, New York facility is a hub for cutting-edge product development, where scientists like you turn market insights into blockbuster beverages. PepsiCo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters an environment where intellectual curiosity and teamwork thrive, making it an ideal place for food scientists to advance their careers.

Role Overview

As a Product Development Associate Scientist at PepsiCo in Valhalla, New York, you'll dive into the exciting world of sparkling beverage innovation. This full-time role offers a salary range of $70,700 to $118,400, depending on experience, skills, and location factors. You'll contribute to a fast-paced, consumer-driven R&D team that translates strategic objectives into new products, from idea generation to commercialization. Expect hands-on lab work, prototype development, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. This position demands flexibility for extended hours during focus groups, pilot scale-ups, or plant trials, plus occasional travel. If you have a B.S. in Food Science and a passion for bench-top beverage creation, this role at PepsiCo provides unparalleled opportunities to grow in the consumer goods industry.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will focus on end-to-end product development for sparkling beverages. Key responsibilities include developing products from concept through commercialization, conducting and documenting lab work such as bench-top prototypes, stability testing, and scale-ups. You'll provide formulation support by preparing laboratory beverages and concentrates, submitting samples for analytical and sensory evaluation. Additional duties involve technical risk assessments, translating attributes into manufacturing specifications, ensuring products are safe, stable, and legal, and offering guidance on targeted initiatives. Strong communication is essential—maintain accurate lab notebooks, share research status, and collaborate effectively within teams to meet project goals.

Lab and Technical Tasks

Expect to utilize bench-scale and pilot plant equipment to produce high-quality prototypes. Analyze data trends, identify solutions to technical challenges, and apply consumer research to experimental designs. This role emphasizes ingredient functionality, potential interactions, and precise documentation.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required qualifications include a B.S. in Food Science or a related discipline. 1-2 years of experience is a plus, along with strong bench beverage development skills. Candidates must demonstrate laboratory proficiency, including accurate notebook maintenance, PPE adherence, and flawless use of equipment. Moderate computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research are necessary, as is good time management and organization. Key competencies encompass intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, teamwork, and communication/presentation skills. Flexibility for non-standard hours and travel is required, plus the ability to self-initiate tasks, manage multiple projects, and highlight risks.

Critical Success Factors

Successful candidates quickly learn techniques, formulate products independently, and provide thought leadership on tactical project aspects. Outstanding time management and the ability to analyze experimental results are essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a comprehensive compensation package beyond the competitive salary. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability and health reimbursement accounts; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); accident, group legal, and life insurance. Enjoy paid time off subject to eligibility, encompassing vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and paid parental leave. A Defined Contribution Retirement Plan supports long-term financial wellness. Your recruiter will provide specifics on salary and benefits tailored to your qualifications during the hiring process.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, this Associate Scientist role is a launchpad for R&D careers. Gain exposure to consumer research, scale-up processes, and commercialization while building expertise in beverage science. PepsiCo's robust training programs, mentorship opportunities, and cross-functional projects accelerate professional development. Many alumni advance to Senior Scientist, Project Manager, or leadership roles in global innovation teams. With a focus on sustainability and health-focused products, you'll contribute to PepsiCo's PepsiCo Positive (pep+) ambitions, enhancing your resume in the competitive food industry.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo in Valhalla to work on high-impact sparkling beverages that reach millions. Benefit from a collaborative culture, state-of-the-art labs, and resources to innovate. PepsiCo values diverse backgrounds, considering qualified applicants with criminal histories per fair chance laws. This role offers stability, growth, and the chance to shape consumer favorites. Apply now to bring your food science passion to a global leader.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range? Expected range is $70,700 - $118,400 USD per year, adjusted for skills and experience.
Is travel required? Yes, occasional travel and flexible hours for trials and focus groups.
What education is needed? B.S. in Food Science or related field; experience preferred.
Are benefits immediate? Subject to eligibility; comprehensive package includes health, PTO, and retirement.
How does PepsiCo support career growth? Through training, mentorship, and project exposure in a dynamic R&D environment.
Is this role full-time? Yes, full-time position in Valhalla, NY.