careers as bold & bright as you
Application Scientist I
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.
Application Scientist I
Application Scientist I
If you are passionate about food science, enjoy solving complex challenges, and thrive in a role where you can directly influence customer success, this opportunity offers a dynamic and rewarding path. You will work closely with customers to understand their goals, define success, and develop tailored color solutions that bring their products to life. This role is highly interactive and includes regular onsite collaboration in laboratory settings as well as travel to customer locations for presentations and project support.
What you’ll do:
- Partner directly with customers to identify project goals, define success, and deliver tailored color solutions
- Develop and apply natural and synthetic color formulations for a variety of food products
- Conduct stability testing and analyze results to improve color performance in different conditions
- Present solutions, lead training sessions, and communicate technical insights to customers and internal teams
- Collaborate with commercial, innovation, and quality teams to support product development and continuous improvement
- Evaluate new raw materials and emerging color technologies for potential use in food applications
- Support customer visits, both in laboratory environments and at external sites, to guide projects and build relationships
What you’ll bring:
- A degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or food science, with advanced study preferred
- Experience in technical service, product development, or food ingredient applications
- Strong communication skills with confidence in presenting to customers and cross functional teams
- Ability to analyze data, interpret results, and develop creative, practical solutions
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight timelines
- Knowledge of food color systems and how they perform in different product environments
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to travel for customer and team engagement
What you’ll get:
- A highly visible, customer facing role where your expertise directly shapes product outcomes
- Opportunities to work on innovative projects in natural and synthetic color development
- Exposure to global teams, customers, and evolving market trends
- A collaborative environment that values scientific insight and creative problem solving
- Professional growth through hands on experience, customer interaction, and continuous learning
- The chance to build strong industry relationships and expand your technical expertise
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 Colors:
Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.
The pay range for this position is $ 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.
RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at Hoffman Estates, IL and must reside in area or be willing to commute.
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.
#LI-AH1
innovation has never looked so good
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our stories We work together in person to put the needs of our customers first and get results. Be different. Be Sensient. -
who we are We’re on a mission across the globe to unlock the potential of our customers’ food, pharmaceutical, and personal care products.
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faq You have questions? here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about a career with Sensient.
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the Americas We offer multiple locations across the United States, Latin America, and Canada. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles.
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APAC region We offer multiple locations across the Asia-Pacific region. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles.
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EMEA region We offer multiple locations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles.
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global locations At Sensient, we believe in the power of collaborating face-to-face, in person. With locations around the world, we offer plenty of opportunities to build the career that best suits you. Learn more about our global locations.
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what we do We develop and manufacture flavors, colors, and extracts that bring our customers’ products to life. Our products positively impact the daily experience of millions.
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sustainability Sustainability is central to our mission at Sensient. Everyone here is dedicated to working together to bring sustainable innovations to the world. This includes vegan flavors, low-carbon products, natural and organic ingredients, and so much more.
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key hiring areas at Sensient Technologies Many paths to success. With a variety of categories and locations, it’s important to find the role that fits you best.
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learning & development We offer a variety of unmatched opportunities for training designed to help you develop your skills. Each program is tailored to specific areas of focus and intended to bring out your best while setting you up for a long, exciting, and fruitful career at Sensient. Take control of your future and learn more about our development programs.
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tips for your application Interested in applying to join us, but not sure how to begin? We’ve compiled a list of tips and advice from some current employees to help you get started.
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careers in research & development Where innovation is born and applied. If you’re an analytic thinker, scientific researcher, and driven winner, our Research and Development (R&D) department is where you can take control of your career.
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coaching at Sensient Having a strong coaching culture is a top priority for Sensient. We are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their roles to meet their future career goals.
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sales careers Are you ambitious with a competitive spirit? Do you want to be rewarded for your hard work and results? Does your professional success matter to you? If so, join Sensient’s elite sales team.
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Working at Juneau Discover what makes working at the Juneau, WI facility unique! With a rich history, and a close-knit team of under 100 employees, this location offers a collaborative work environment where personal connections thrive.
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Working in St. Louis Discover what it's like working at our Colors Headquarters! With a dynamic work environment, you’ll have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute with a focus on innovation and career development.
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Why Sensient?
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your future starts at Sensient Unleash the power of bold flavors and bright colors and experience the thrill of developing products that are essential to hundreds of millions of users. Learn more about who we are and how our teams work together to create innovative solutions.
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careers in research & development Explore careers in Research & Development at Sensient. Work on science‑driven innovation, global impact, and sustainable solutions across industries.
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career changers: build a sales career at Sensient For driven professionals ready to turn expertise into sales success at Sensient.
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career growth at Sensient Unlock your potential with Sensient's growth programs. Bring your grit, and we'll teach you the rest. Explore opportunities in research, sales, manufacturing, and more.
