About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, and Tropicana. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates in over 200 countries, employing more than 300,000 people globally. The company is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering consumer-pleasing products that refresh the world. PepsiCo's R&D teams are at the forefront of creating breakthrough beverages that meet evolving consumer demands for taste, health, and convenience. Joining PepsiCo means contributing to a legacy of excellence while advancing your career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Role Overview

As an R&D Product Development Senior Scientist - Beverages at PepsiCo in Valhalla, New York, you will play a pivotal role in the Global Technical Brand Stewardship team. This position offers unique opportunities to enhance your technical expertise and problem-solving skills. You will tackle challenges related to ingredients, concentrates, and finished products, reformulate market offerings for regulatory compliance, and validate materials for optimal performance. From bench-top experimentation to pilot plant scale-up and production launch, you will drive consumer-driven innovation in a high-energy setting. This full-time role requires 20% travel and occasional flexibility for plant trials, ideal for scientists passionate about beverages in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day impact will be significant. Key responsibilities include fully participating in piloting and end-user testing to support system enhancements. You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and provide sound technical recommendations on product and process issues. Conduct technical and business risk assessments for new developments, perform economic evaluations of ingredients, suppliers, and formulations, and develop innovative product recipes leveraging food chemistry and ingredient functionality. Collaborate internally with Global Science Platforms and externally with strategic vendors. As a member of cross-functional teams—including Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition, Regulatory, and Sensory—you will ensure products are robust, safe, legal, and consumer-validated.

Collaboration and Leadership

Expect to partner with R&D disciplines like Flavor, Sensory Research Associates (SRA), Quality, Microbiology, Analytical, and Engineering to deliver safe, stable, and compliant beverages. Your ability to manage multiple projects, think critically, and communicate findings will be crucial.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, candidates need a minimum B.S. in Food Science or a related field, with proven experience in product development or R&D. Preferred profiles include a B.S. with 3-4+ years in industry, an M.S. with 1-2+ years, or a Ph.D. with academic focus on hydrocolloids and/or emulsions. Experience in food or beverage product development at a CPG company is essential, alongside outstanding teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. You must excel in analyzing emerging consumer trends, executing flawless lab and pilot-scale work, and maintaining safety standards. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook), and FSS is required. This role demands intellectual curiosity, time management, organization, and the ability to work cross-functionally. U.S. indefinite right to work is mandatory; occasional extended hours for scale-ups and up to 20% travel.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its talent with competitive compensation starting at $84,000 - $140,650 USD annually, adjusted for location, skills, experience, and education. Eligible employees receive an 8% performance-based bonus, paid time off (including parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement), and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accident, group legal, and life insurance. A Defined Contribution Retirement Plan rounds out the offerings, supporting long-term financial wellness for you and your family.

Career Growth

PepsiCo fosters professional development through hands-on projects, cross-functional exposure, and global opportunities. As a Senior Scientist, you will gain thought leadership in tactical project aspects, build networks with vendors and internal partners, and advance in R&D innovation. The company's investment in training, mentorship, and leadership programs positions you for progression into higher roles within Product Development, Technical Stewardship, or broader Science Platforms.

Why Join Us

Work on cutting-edge beverage innovations that reach millions worldwide. PepsiCo's Valhalla, New York location offers a collaborative hub for R&D excellence near New York City. Enjoy a premium work culture emphasizing safety, diversity, and inclusion—considering qualified applicants with criminal histories per fair chance laws. Thrive in a consumer-driven environment where your expertise drives real market impact, backed by industry-leading resources and benefits.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range?

The expected range is $84,000 - $140,650 USD, with bonuses and adjustments based on qualifications.

What education is required?

Minimum B.S. in Food Science; advanced degrees preferred with relevant experience.

Is travel involved?

Yes, up to 20%, plus occasional extended hours for trials.

What skills are critical?

Food chemistry, formulation, data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and scale-up execution.

How does PepsiCo support work-life balance?

Through PTO, parental leave, flexible benefits, and a commitment to safe, supportive environments.