Senior Product Development Scientist - Dairy & Protein

Job Description Summary:

Our approach to business is to start with facts, based in science and our passion is to work towards a better shared future to make a difference in people’s lives, communities, and our planet.  Our scientists help support that future and we’re looking for a candidate that can demonstrated skills in developing and/or reformulating food and beverage products from ideation to commercialization. You must have a solid technical background with creative bench skills, the ability to manage projects from concept to execution, understand consumer research, and be able to work collaboratively across functions (technical and non-technical). 

What You’ll Do for Us 

• Design, develop, conduct and/or review experiments (e.g., laboratory or process experiments) to deliver new products for the dairy/protein category; evaluate ingredient, product or packaging safety, efficacy, or claims; or evaluate new ingredients, materials, products, or processes.
• Record data from analyses or experiments in a computer, logbook, or laboratory notebook. 
• Write detailed & accurate reports for analyses, experiments, or projects (e.g., equipment validation, evaluation of new processes).   Communicate clearly in email and verbally with technical, non-technical, domestic, and international audiences.  
• Prepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological), enable samples handling and logistics for testing.
• Gather and organize information under tight timelines to support senior management's decision-making. 
• Apply knowledge of sensory and consumer testing techniques and principles to influence consumer test design and collaborate intelligently with sensory team.
• Identify, select, authorize and/or manage relationships with vendors or suppliers to ensure proper capabilities, conformance with Company standards and appropriate products and services (e.g., ingredients, materials, testing services). 
• Protect information provided in confidence from outside sources (bottlers and other business partners) and ensure this information is not disseminated to those not directly involved.
• Develop quality standards, specifications, or requirements (e.g., concentrate/beverage base, ingredients, packaging, beverage, processes, and new technology) to ensure quality and integrity of products, and to protect the trademarks of the Coca-Cola Company. 
• Provide support to customers to identify, manage or resolve incidents (e.g., critical emergencies, product withdrawals/recalls, disasters, potential business threats) in order to maintain the integrity of our products and trademarks and to minimize interruptions to Company or customer operations.
• Conduct review of scientific or other literature to maintain and improve laboratory knowledge/skills.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating, and repairing).   

Qualification & Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field is required, Master’s or PHD degree is preferred 
• 3+ years successful experience in product development in the beverage industry.
• Product Development: Deep knowledge and practical application of the product development process. Flexible and creative development skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles and the ability to apply the principles, tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute projects or work plans to ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, within budget).  
• Building Technical Relationships: Ability to apply technical knowledge and establish credibility with highly technical audiences in order to build technical relationships that will benefit customers or the Company. 
• Ingredients: Knowledge of and experience with key ingredients used in production of concentrates and beverage bases (e.g., caramel, citric acid, sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, natural flavors).
• Beverage Manufacturing: Knowledge of and ability to apply carbonated and non-carbonated beverage processing techniques (e.g., proportioning, carbonating, syrup manufacturing, filling).
• Flavor Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of flavoring materials, the flavor industry and the trade organizations that represent them.
• Computer Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), formula/database type systems, and capable user.  
• Basic Organic Chemistry: Knowledge of basic organic structures, reactions, functional groups, and properties needed to understand the reactions of organic compounds in Company products. This includes the understanding of moderately complex principles to problem-solve package or ingredient related issues.  
• Endurance: Willingness and ability to occasionally function effectively over extended periods of time.  Ability to be flexible and adjust priorities based on business needs.
• Laboratory Practices: Knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., handling of chemicals and glassware, preparation of standards and reagents, proper measuring techniques, data management, housekeeping).  
• Proprietary Composition Information: Ability to recognize and protect proprietary information as it relates to formulas and ingredients.

What We Can Do For You 

• Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products. 
• Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others. 
• Community of Belonging: We’re an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work.  

The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Skills:

Chemistry, Communication, Continual Improvement Process, Data Compilation, Environmental Science, Food Safety Management, Food Sciences, Food Technology, Green Solutions, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Learning Agility, Managing Ambiguity, Microbiology Laboratory, Product Development, Quality Control (QC), Researching, Sensory Processing, Waterfall Model

Pay Range:

United States: 109,000 - 129,000 USD


Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:

15

Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.

Location(s):

United States of America

City/Cities:

Atlanta

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

November 29, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.