About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for its portfolio of over 500 beloved brands including Gatorade, Lay’s, and Quaker. With a mission to create smiles around the world, PepsiCo touches millions of lives daily through innovative products that deliver joy and convenience. Headquartered in the U.S., the company operates in more than 200 countries, employing a diverse workforce of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. At PepsiCo, consumer centricity drives every decision, fostering an environment where associates innovate, collaborate, and make lasting impacts on communities. Joining PepsiCo means becoming part of a dynamic global community that values bold ideas and empowers career growth.

Role Overview

The R&D Product Development Associate Principal Scientist - Away From Home position in Plano, Texas, is a pivotal role within PepsiCo's Foods business. This full-time position focuses on executing product development projects in the high-growth center-of-plate segment, including frozen, refrigerated, and ambient foods such as meat proteins, handhelds, side dishes, and dips. The role demands strong analytical skills, project management expertise, and the ability to build cross-functional relationships with internal teams and external suppliers. As the key R&D stakeholder, you will lead innovation projects, scale up processes, and deliver consumer-centric products that align with market demands. This position offers a salary range of $89,000 to $149,000 USD, plus a 10% performance bonus, making it an attractive opportunity for seasoned food scientists.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will spearhead the end-to-end development and launch of innovative food products tailored for the away-from-home market. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the creation of refrigerated, frozen, and shelf-stable meals, incorporating flavors, formulations, process technologies, and packaging interactions.
• Collaborating closely with third-party suppliers, culinary partners, and PepsiCo teams to design optimal products driven by consumer insights and sales data.
• Exploring new ingredients, substrates, and processes using internal and external resources to drive superior food solutions.
• Working with Supply Chain and R&D process engineering to evaluate, qualify, and commercialize production capacity.
• Designing experiments, analyzing data, and providing technical recommendations on product and process challenges.
• Coordinating production trials at bench top, pilot plant, and manufacturing scales, including shelf-life testing and scale-up support.
• Maintaining relationships across R&D, Supply Chain, FSQA, Regulatory, Innovation, Sales, and Legal functions.
• Participating in marketing research, focus groups, and economic evaluations of ingredients and suppliers.

Project Leadership and Innovation

You will act as the primary R&D interface for business partners and external collaborators, forging new development paths for PepsiCo's multi-year away-from-home portfolio. Critical thinking and stakeholder triaging are essential for navigating complex projects successfully.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must possess:

• A B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Food Science or a closely related field.
• At least 5+ years of relevant experience (with B.S. level).
• Demonstrated analytical skills, project management capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration experience.
• Proficiency in product design, process scale-up, experimentation, and data interpretation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and represent R&D across workstreams.
• Experience with culinary innovation, supplier management, and commercial trial support is highly preferred.

PepsiCo values candidates who thrive in fast-paced, innovative environments and bring a passion for consumer-driven food solutions.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a comprehensive compensation package designed to support your well-being and professional success:

• Competitive base salary of $89,000 - $149,000 USD, adjusted based on experience, skills, and location.
• 10% annual performance bonus based on eligibility.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and paid parental leave.
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus disability and life insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and accident/group legal insurance.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan to secure your financial future.

Career Growth

PepsiCo is committed to your professional development. This Associate Principal Scientist role provides exposure to high-impact projects, leadership opportunities, and cross-functional partnerships. Advance your career through internal mobility, mentorship programs, and continuous learning initiatives. Many associates progress to senior leadership in R&D, innovation, or supply chain functions, leveraging PepsiCo's global platform for long-term growth.

Why Join Us

Why choose PepsiCo? Be part of a company that innovates joyful moments through food and beverages, impacting millions worldwide. In Plano, Texas, enjoy a collaborative culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on work-life balance. Your contributions will shape the future of PepsiCo's Foods portfolio in the burgeoning away-from-home sector, offering meaningful work with real-world impact.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the salary range?
A: $89,000 - $149,000 USD per year, plus 10% bonus.

Q: Is relocation assistance provided?
A: Discuss with your recruiter based on eligibility.

Q: What degree is required?
A: B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Food Science or related field.

Q: Is this a hybrid or on-site role?
A: Primarily on-site in Plano, Texas, with potential flexibility.

Q: How does PepsiCo support innovation?
A: Through collaboration with suppliers, culinary experts, and advanced R&D resources.