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Application Scientist II

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
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Job ID 6222 Date posted 01/10/2026 Category Research and Development

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a global leader in colors, flavors, and extracts. Our R&D teams drive innovation by developing advanced systems, ingredients, and technologies that transform food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. Join us to be part of a dynamic group shaping the future across a variety of teams, including:

Analytics Team: Lead flavor research and analysis using instrumentation like HPLC, GC, and GC-MS. Improve and develop lab workflows and methodologies. Mentor staff to ensure both technical excellence and financial success through collaborative efforts.

Flavor Creation Team: Develop innovative flavors across diverse market segments, including Beverage, Savory, and Sweet. Work closely with customers and our Applications Teams to deliver impactful, tailored solutions which drive growth and exceed market expectations.

Sensory Team: Design and execute sensory and consumer research to provide in-depth understanding of products and consumers for product development, optimization and maintenance. Conduct panels and apply statistical analysis to deliver actionable insights. Lead training of cross-functional teams and customers in flavor language.

Innovation Team: Utilize scientific expertise to develop cutting-edge ingredients, formulations, and technologies. Contribute to groundbreaking product advancements. Collaborate with a global network of Sensient scientists to shape our industry's future.

Applications Team: Partner with customers in labs and at their facilities to bring their product visions to life. Solve challenges, provide creative solutions to deliver innovative products which align with customer goals across various industries.

  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Job Level: Entry, Mid, Senior
  • Travel : Depends on Role

success profile

We are looking for team members who are:

  • Results-focused
  • Collaborative
  • Skilled communicators
  • Analytically rigorous
  • Detail-oriented
  • Intensely curious

Your journey

career path

This is a sample of the R&D Career paths at Sensient.

  • Lab Technician
  • Application Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Technical Service Manager (multiple levels)
  • Technical Director
  • Senior Technical Director or
  • Innovation Intern
  • Innovation Associate (multiple levels)
  • Innovation Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Innovations Manager

cultural points

The Sensient Six are the core values that drive us in our mission.

  • Entrepreneurial
  • Customer focused
  • Develop self and others
  • Collaborative
  • Results driven
  • Know your job
My job gives me the unique opportunity to develop products that I feel passionate about. Being part of an international team, with access to so much know-how and the most innovative technologies, encourages me every day to do my best and to drive innovation.
Lisa Innovation Manager, Germany

Application Scientist II

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
Job ID 6222 Date posted January 8, 2026 Job Category Research and Development

Applications Scientist II

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you. 

Position Summary

We are looking for an Application Scientist II. If you are energized by the idea of developing delicious, real-world food products and enjoy using creativity to solve formulation challenges, this opportunity may be for you. We’re looking for a collaborative food scientist who enjoys working hands-on in a lab or pilot plant setting and is ready to make a meaningful impact.  This role requires hand-on development in the lab and customer facing presentations for various solutions in applications.  

This role is based on-site in a collaborative lab environment, where cross-functional teamwork and direct interaction with production teams and commercial partners are part of everyday work. Occasional travel may be required for customer visits and plant support.

What you will do

  • Lead hands on bench work and product development activities while managing multiple projects with changing priorities
  • Design and execute experiments using pilot plant and processing equipment while following established procedures and safety standards
  • Identify technical challenges, analyze data, and develop creative solutions that meet customer and business needs
  • Partner cross-functionally with sensory, analytical, quality, regulatory, production, marketing and sales teams to ensure products meet technical and commercial expectations
  • Serve as a technical expert for customers by presenting product concepts, technologies and applications and supporting customer trials and demonstrations
  • Maintain accurate and compliant documentation including formulations, processing instructions, project updates and technical support materials

 What you will bring

  • Master’s degree or BS in Food Science or related technical area required; Master’s Degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in the food industry with a strong background in product development for sauces, dips and dressing. Additional experience in soups, broths, seasonings and batters is a plus.
  • Demonstrated understanding of food ingredients, processing and flavor application with expertise in key industry market products and the ability to accurately formulate finished food products.  
  • Experience and technical understanding of flavors and flavor enhancers.   
  • Excellent organoleptic skills and knowledge of sensory language are required. 
  • Strong presentation and communications skills, with the ability to effectively engage customers and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel up to 30% of the time. 

What you will get

  • The opportunity to work in a hands on laboratory and pilot plant environment where your technical expertise makes a visible impact
  • Regular collaboration with cross functional teams and direct interaction with customers on meaningful development projects
  • Professional growth through mentoring, technical training, customer engagement and industry events
  • A role that blends independent project ownership with team based problem solving
  • Travel opportunities to support customer projects, production trials and industry events, along with an onsite work environment that supports collaboration and innovation

About Sensient

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Flavors: 

Sensient Flavors offers innovative, global taste solutions and specialized flavor delivery systems that help bring life to your food and beverage products. Our leading-edge technologies reflect our core philosophies to be dynamic and innovative and to add value to your applications.

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $113,000.  Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions.  In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.  

THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions. 

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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