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Senior Application Scientist

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
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Job ID 5823 Date posted 08/15/2025 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
  • Glassdoor Reviews and Company Rating

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

Senior Application Scientist

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
Job ID 5823 Date posted August 13, 2025 Job Category Research and Development

Senior Application Scientist 

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 a Senior Application Scientist who will report into the Applications Manager, North America Savory Flavors and Extracts. The Applications Scientist independently develops innovative applications in support of existing and new business growth opportunities for the Sensient Savory Flavors business.  The candidate should have a strong technical background and experience in sauces, dips and dressings applications. This role requires hand-on development in the lab and customer facing presentations for various solutions in applications.  

What you’ll do

  • Develop and evaluate savory food applications at the bench and in the pilot plant, using a range of industry-standard equipment and methods
  • Lead multiple projects with shifting priorities, applying critical thinking and problem-solving to design innovative product solutions
  • Collaborate with internal partners across creative, regulatory, production, and commercial teams to align on product performance and project goals
  • Present the benefits and technical strengths of new savory innovations to customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders
  • Maintain clear and detailed records of formulations, project progress, evaluations, and technical documentation
  • Support customer relationships by attending onsite visits, product demos, and trade shows as needed
  • Share your knowledge by mentoring colleagues, contributing to cross-training, and participating in professional development activities
  • Foster a safe and efficient working environment by following all required company and regulatory guidelines

What you’ll bring

  • Master's degree or BS in Food Science or related technical area required; Master’s Degree preferred. 
  • 5+ years’ experience in the food industry with a strong background in product development for sauces, dips and dressings.   
  • Demonstrated understanding of food ingredients, processing and flavor application with expertise in key industry market products and ability to accurately formulate finished food products.   
  • Thorough understanding of the trends within the sauce & dressing industry with experience in soups, broths, seasonings and batters is a plus. 
  • Experience and knowledge in the technical and scientific areas of flavor usage.    
  • Excellent organoleptic skills and knowledge of sensory language required.  
  • Great presentation skills to customers and internal stakeholders. 

What you’ll get

  • Competitive compensation and benefits designed to support your financial and personal well-being
  • A comprehensive training program and continued learning opportunities to help you grow
  • The chance to be part of a team that values creativity, curiosity, and practical innovation
  • A culture that encourages you to take ownership of your work and make an impact
  • Opportunities to engage with global teams and build meaningful relationships across disciplines
  • This position is based on site at our location, where hands-on work, in-person collaboration, and access to specialized equipment are key to success.

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 - $130,000. 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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