Requirements:
- Bachelor?s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Process Engineering, Nutrition, or related technical discipline, or equivalent directly related experience.
- 3+ years of experience in food or beverage R&D, process development, or pilot plant environments (internships and relevant lab/plant experience considered).
- Hands-on experience designing and executing bench or pilot experiments.
- Familiarity with DOE and basic statistical analysis.
- Practical understanding of coffee extraction fundamentals (grind relationships, TDS measurement, brew ratios, extraction yield, roasting principles) or strong demonstrated interest and ability to develop expertise quickly.
- Strong laboratory and pilot plant skills, including sample handling, documentation, and analytical measurements.
Overview
We are seeking a hands-onSenior Scientistto join our Coffee R&D team, focused on liquid extraction science, pilot-scale experimentation, and process optimization. This role serves as a subject matter expert in bench and pilot coffee extraction processes, driving innovation, improving product performance, and developing scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes.
This is a highly execution-driven, data-focused position requiring significant time in pilot trials, experimental design, and cross-functional collaboration. The Senior Scientist will translate experimental results into operational processes, product specifications, and scalable extraction solutions that support commercial manufacturing and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
Experimental Design & Coffee Extraction Science
- Design, plan, and execute bench and pilot-scale coffee extraction experiments.
- Evaluate key extraction parameters, including TDS, yield, flow rates, temperature profiles, pressure, residence time, and particle size.
- Develop structured experimental protocols and maintain detailed lab and pilot plant documentation.
- Generate clear study reports with conclusions, insights, and recommended next steps.
Process Optimization & Data Analysis
- Analyze process and product data using statistical methods, DOE, and basic modeling.
- Identify root causes and optimization opportunities to improve product quality and process efficiency.
- Convert experimental findings into practical and scalable process improvements.
- Support the development of robust and repeatable extraction processes.
Scale-Up & Manufacturing Integration
- Translate lab and pilot results into manufacturing-scale operational parameters.
- Participate in scale-up trials and pilot production runs.
- Develop and maintain coffee product specifications and operating guidelines.
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, QA, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth implementation.
Pilot Plant & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operate or supervise pilot extraction runs and coordinate trial execution.
- Collect samples and interpret analytical measurements, including pH, TDS, flow rates, viscosity, and related metrics.
- Work closely with product development, operations, procurement, and external partners.
- Present study findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
Sensory & Product Quality Support
- Apply sensory evaluation techniques to support data-driven decision-making.
- Participate in shelf-life, stability, and finished beverage quality studies.
- Support continuous improvement of extraction methods and product performance.
Travel
- Travel during onboarding and early project phases, followed by occasional travel to pilot sites, vendors, and trial locations as required.