careers as bold & bright as you
Technical Director
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.
Technical Director
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.
This opportunity is 100% office based in Turlock, CA
Ready to make your mark in a global agricultural ingredient powerhouse?
As the Technical Director for Sensient Agricultural Ingredients, you'll drive strategy, lead talented cross-functional teams, and be the go-to expert delivering innovative agricultural solutions to top-tier clients. You'll have the autonomy to lead, the resources to innovate, and the platform to influence product development across a diverse and dynamic market. If you're passionate about agricultural and ready to lead at scale — this is your opportunity!
What you’ll do:
- Lead regulatory compliance, quality control, and technical standards across all functions
- Drive innovation through project prioritization, R&D leadership, and continuous process improvement
- Ensure alignment of cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional customer service and business growth
- Provide technical expertise to internal stakeholders, sales teams, and customers—including training and industry presentations
- Collaborate with commercial and product management teams on forecasting, strategy, and key account development
- Develop and execute long-term business strategies while managing budgets, capital planning, and personnel development
- Promote a culture of quality, innovation, and operational excellence through leadership and Total Quality Management principles
What you'll bring:
- Advanced degree in Agriculture Science, Food Engineering, Food Science, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience
- 10+ years of experience, including strong project management and cross-functional leadership
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and inspire high performance
- Strategic thinker with a track record of identifying opportunities and delivering innovative, business-driving solutions
- Skilled at prioritizing initiatives that align with customer needs and company growth goals
What you’ll get:
- Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues, onsite 5 days per week
- An excellent salary, benefit offering and development opportunities
- A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond
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.
About Sensient Agricultural Ingredients:
Sensient Agricultural Ingredients is one of the largest producers and distributors in the world of dehydrated onion and garlic products as well as chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery, and spinach. These ingredients are used in many of today's popular convenience foods.
The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $250000. 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.
SPONSORSHIP:
Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the US without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
#L1-LS1
innovation has never looked so good
-
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.
-
faq You have questions? here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about a career with Sensient.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
Why Sensient?
-
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.
-
careers in research & development Explore careers in Research & Development at Sensient. Work on science‑driven innovation, global impact, and sustainable solutions across industries.
-
-
career changers: build a sales career at Sensient For driven professionals ready to turn expertise into sales success at Sensient.
-
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.
-
Early Days at Sensient Success starts here. Explore Sensient’s world-class onboarding experience built to help you feel welcomed, prepared, and supported from your first day onward.
