Sr R&D Chemist - Beverage Product Development

Sr R&D Beverage Chemist

$58–$61/hr | Full-time | Onsite Mon–Fri | San Fernando, CA

Join an industry-leading beverage innovation company and develop the next generation of juice concentrates and flavored beverages. As Sr R&D Chemist, you'll own product development from formulation to production scale, mentor junior chemists, and deliver technical solutions that reach grocery shelves nationwide.

About the Role

This is a full-time contract-to-hire position offering a clear pathway to permanent employment. You'll work independently on R&D projects with collaborative support from cross-functional teams, directly influencing product strategy and customer success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new and improve existing beverage products (juice concentrates, flavors) based on customer requirements and in-house innovation goals

• Lead feasibility analyses for R&D projects, considering production capacity, equipment, technology, and timeline constraints

• Create master formulas, compounding instructions, and detailed product specification sheets; provide technical documentation to customers

• Perform cost analysis and recommend selling prices on all product work

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior R&D Chemists and Lab Technicians; establish lab procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards

• Engage directly with customers to understand technical requirements, troubleshoot formulations, and provide on-site support for first-time production runs

• Partner with Quality Control and Production teams to ensure new products scale smoothly and meet specifications

• Handle sample requests and manage R&D operations as needed

• Perform other duties and special projects as required; occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on chemist experience in food and/or beverage product development

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

• Excellent laboratory technique and attention to detail

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects

• Outstanding communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

Preferred:

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior chemistry or lab staff

• Track record developing juice concentrates, flavors, or functional beverages

• Familiarity with beverage industry regulations (FDA, labeling, stability testing)

About Us

Kelly® Science & Clinical is a specialized staffing and talent solutions partner serving innovative companies in food, beverage, chemical, and life sciences. Our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters connects top technical talent with exciting, high-impact roles. Whether this position is the right fit or not, we keep you in our network—unlocking unlimited career opportunities.

Next Steps

Apply now and let us know why you're excited about beverage innovation. If your skills and experience align with our needs, you'll move quickly through our interview process. Your profile enters our network, giving you access to exclusive future opportunities in science and clinical staffing.

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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

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Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.