Ready to bring beverage concepts to life at scale? Join our onsite team in Phoenix, Arizona at a dynamic co-manufacturing facility where innovation meets production. As a Senior R&D Developer – Powder Blending / Team Lead, you’ll lead the development of cutting-edge beverage formulations — from nutraceutical and hydration blends to energy powders — transforming ideas into commercially viable, high-performing products.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where lab work connects directly to full-scale manufacturing, this role is for you.

Your Responsibilities: 
Product & Process Development
•    Develop new beverage recipes and powder blending processes for innovation (ItM) and customer-driven (BtO/B2C) projects.
•    Partner with Product Managers and Technical Project Managers as co-project owner to bring concepts to commercialization.
•    Convert liquid formulations into stable powder systems using appropriate technologies.
•    Implement newly developed or optimized production processes into manufacturing.
•    Develop new raw materials and optimize existing recipes for quality, functionality, and cost.
•    Create application recommendations for new ingredients.

Testing, Quality & Optimization
•    Lead and execute shelf-life and stability testing in collaboration with Quality and Product Science.
•    Define evaluation criteria for customer and benchmark products.
•    Ensure accurate and timely lab blends and product samples.
•    Taste and evaluate developed products.
•    Execute corrective actions assigned by Quality.
•    Ensure compliance with hygiene, HACCP, food safety, occupational safety, and environmental standards.
Systems, Documentation & Budget Ownership
•    Manage projects within approved budgets and proactively address variances with leadership.
•    Maintain and create recipes and substance data in SAP.
•    Document processes accurately within internal IT systems.
•    Support recipe portfolio optimization for cost, quality, and resource efficiency.
•    Promote continuous process standardization and operational improvements.
Cross-Functional & Customer Collaboration
•    Collaborate closely with Sales, Technical Account Managers, and Project Managers to clarify briefs and refine formulations.
•    Coordinate and lead customer visits and workshops for key projects.
•    Support discussions around filling technology, packaging systems, and customer-specific requirements.
•    Ensure strong communication across R&D, Quality, Sourcing, and Operations.
 Technical Expertise Required
•    Knowledge of blending equipment across lab, pilot, and production scale.
•    Understanding of moisture control and O₂-stable packaging systems.
•    Experience with nutraceutical, hydration, and energy blend base ingredients.
•    Knowledge of flavor powder systems and liquid-to-solid conversion techniques.

Your Profile:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field.
•    3–5 years of experience in food & beverage development
(5–8 years required for Team Lead title consideration)
•    Hands-on experience with SAP.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
•    Ability to work independently in an onsite manufacturing environment.
•    Willingness to travel <20% domestically/internationally.
•    Travel to production sites 1–2 times per month as needed
•    Regular travel between 50-70% to customer sites and R&D facilities to support projects and provide hands-on expertise

We offer:  
•    Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans to support you and your family
•    Paid Parental Leave –Maternity and Paternity Leave so you can focus on what matters most 
•    401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match – Plan for your future with company-supported retirement savings
•    Paid Time Off – Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with PTO and 11 Paid Holidays
•    Employee Engagement – Join our Engagement Team for fun events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to connect with colleagues across the company
•    Döhler Academy: You have the opportunity to continuously develop your education further through internal and external training programs
•    Supportive Culture – Friendly and informal atmosphere, family-owned, flat hierarchies, open communication, and helpful colleagues
•    Meaningful Impact – Be an integral part of our business success and help shape the future of nutrition
•    Empowerment – Unleash your full potential with opportunities to grow, lead, and make a real difference

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