Senior R&D Principal Scientist

Pepsico is hiring for Senior R&D Principal Scientist

Overview

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader operating in more than 200 countries and territories with a product portfolio that includes 22 world-famous, billion-dollar brands. From Gatorade to Quaker, LIFEWTR to Lay’s, we make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved around the world.

Guided by our vision of "Winning with Purpose," we strive to be the global leader in convenient foods and beverages by embedding sustainability into all aspects of our business. At PepsiCo, we celebrate individuality and foster a collaborative spirit where unique perspectives drive better outcomes.

This position—Sr. Principal Scientist in R&D at PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA)—will lead product and process development for high-moisture foods, particularly shelf-stable and refrigerated Dips, Salsas, and Sauces (a $1B+ platform). The role involves innovation, capacity expansion, brand stewardship, and collaboration across teams to sustain and grow our product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead breakthrough innovation in Dips/Salsa and high-moisture food categories through formulation, processing, and packaging integration.

• Identify and explore new ingredients, products, and process technologies.

• Partner with Product Supply and Co-Manufacturing to evaluate and expand production capacity.

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to resolve product and process challenges.

• Communicate technical findings and business impacts effectively.

• Oversee production efforts at various levels (bench, pilot, manufacturing) for product testing and launches.

• Collaborate with Contract Manufacturers and Ingredient Suppliers.

• Maintain cross-functional relationships across Procurement, Co-Manufacturing, Quality, SRA, and Legal.

• Support commercialization efforts in Co-Manufacturing locations.

• Manage multiple projects, define workstreams, align resources, and meet project goals.

• Develop, review, and finalize formula and ingredient specifications.

• Engage in consumer and marketing research to guide product development.

• Conduct basic cost assessments for ingredients and formulations.

• Mentor junior scientists and technicians.

• Represent R&D on multifunctional teams including Marketing, Engineering, and Procurement.

Qualifications

• Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 9+ years of experience in product development with high-moisture and thermally processed foods (rigid/semi-rigid/flexible containers).

• Preferred: Ph.D. and prior experience with shelf-stable and refrigerated products.

• Proficiency in ingredient functionality, formulation chemistry, and experimental design.

• Strong skills in stability testing, sensory evaluation, and consumer research methodologies.

• Ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple concurrent projects.

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

• Strong organizational, documentation, and formula management skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $118,700 – $198,800 (based on location, skills, experience, and education)

• Bonus: Target payout is 15% of annual salary (based on performance and eligibility)

• Benefits:

  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, bereavement, parental leave)

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

  • Disability and Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Legal and Accident Insurance

  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

PepsiCo is committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants, including individuals with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws (e.g., Fair Credit Reporting Act, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative).

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.