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Application Scientist III

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
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Job ID 7269 Date posted 09/10/2026 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 III

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
Job ID 7269 Date posted September 8, 2026 Job Category Research and Development

Application Scientist III

If you are a food science professional who enjoys turning creative ideas into finished products, this role offers the opportunity to develop innovative sweet applications and solve real customer challenges. You will apply your expertise in flavors, ingredients, product development, and sensory evaluation across ice cream, bakery, and confectionery applications. You will work closely with technical and commercial teams while having the independence to manage projects and bring new ideas to life.

What you’ll do
•    Develop standard and innovative ice cream, bakery, and confectionery products that demonstrate flavor and ingredient solutions for customers and support new business opportunities.
•    Plan and manage multiple application projects, maintaining accurate formulations, project records, customer information, and progress updates.
•    Partner with sales and technical teams to understand customer needs, develop solutions to product and process challenges, and provide timely project support.
•    Conduct product testing, including stability, shelf life, and sensory evaluation, while using technical expertise to assess and improve finished products.
•    Collaborate with flavorists, sensory specialists, and other technical partners to create flavor systems that meet project objectives.
•    Support customer presentations and visits by communicating product features, benefits, technical solutions, and company capabilities.
•    Contribute to a safe, professional laboratory environment while sharing technical knowledge and supporting the development of laboratory and technical team members.


What you’ll bring
•    A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in food science, food technology, chemistry, or a related technical field.
•    Significant experience in food or flavor product development, with a strong understanding of flavors, ingredients, and application technologies.
•    Demonstrated ability to formulate finished ice cream, bakery, and confectionery products.
•    Knowledge of food processing, regulatory requirements, sensory evaluation, product stability, and shelf life testing.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information to customers, sales teams, and internal partners.
•    Ability to independently organize and prioritize multiple projects while working effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
•    Working knowledge of computer applications used to document, organize, and evaluate technical and application data.


What you’ll get
•    The opportunity to create innovative food products and develop solutions for real customer needs.
•    A collaborative environment where creative and technical ideas are encouraged.
•    Exposure to customers, sales professionals, flavorists, sensory specialists, and other technical experts.
•    Opportunities to expand your expertise in flavors, ingredients, and sweet applications.
•    The ability to take ownership of projects and work independently with support from technical leadership.
•    Opportunities to share your expertise through presentations, customer interactions, and technical training.
•    A hands-on laboratory environment where your work directly contributes to new product and business opportunities. 

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 $90,000- $110,000.  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.

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

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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