Beverage Scientist

Beverage Scientist - Craft the Drinks of Tomorrow

Do you dream in flavor notes? Do you get way too excited about the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and aroma? If so, you might be the Beverage Scientist we've been waiting for.

We're searching for a curious, creative, and science-savvy innovator to help us shape the next generation of beverages - from sparkling sips and plant-powered blends to bold RTD cocktails, energizing drinks, and everything in between. If you love experimenting, collaborating, and bringing ideas to life, this role puts you right at the center of the action.

What You'll Be Mixing UpFlavor Innovation & Development

• Create, refine, and elevate flavor systems across a wide spectrum of beverage categories.

• Bring customer concepts to life by selecting and applying flavors that hit the mark on taste, trends, and regulations.

• Prepare samples that wow during customer demos, tastings, and innovation showcases.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with sales, marketing, sensory, and flavor creation teams to support projects from idea to execution.

• Keep your finger on the pulse of new ingredients, processing methods, and industry breakthroughs.

Lab Excellence

• Maintain meticulous formulation records using LIMS and other digital tools.

• Ensure the lab stays safe, organized, and compliant with all regulatory expectations.

• Use analytical tools like pH meters, refractometers, and titration methods to validate your creations.

What You Bring to the Table

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.

• 2-3 years of hands-on experience in beverage development, formulation, or flavor applications.

• A solid understanding of beverage fundamentals - emulsions, sweeteners, acidulants, functional ingredients, and more.

• Strong sensory skills and the ability to describe flavor performance with clarity.

• Excellent organization, math skills, and communication abilities.

• Comfort juggling multiple projects in a fast-moving environment.

• A collaborative spirit paired with the confidence to work independently when needed.

Bonus Points If You Have...

• Experience with Genesis R&D, Excel, or LIMS platforms.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001, cGMP, or GLP standards.

• Background in alcoholic beverage formulation or TTB regulatory processes.

• Experience with wet chemistry or lab safety audits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Niles, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Niles,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.