R&D Associate Principal Scientist – Foods Specification Team

Overview

*Ideal experience includes R&D, Food Safety, or Quality; however, we are also open to candidates with backgrounds in Supply Chain, Operations, or Engineering.*

 

The PFNA R&D Operational Excellence Specification Team oversees a connected digital ecosystem that drives change and enables resource-efficient innovation cycles and end to end traceability to deliver consumer-centric insights for critical business decisions.The R&D Associate Principal Scientist will lead ingredient specification operations across Quaker and Frito-Lay in both the U.S. and Canada, upholding Pepsico global ingredient standards while seamlessly integrating R&D business processes. This role will provide exposure and hands on experience delivering end-to-end specification management as part of commercialization execution.

 

This role applies strong food science principles and collaborates effectively with cross-functional partners—including Procurement, Supply Chain, Food Safety, Regulatory, external suppliers, and product developers—to build clear, timebound plans for ingredient specification programs. The role also manages dynamic, fast-paced timelines and deliverables by prioritizing tasks and coordinating closely with the MCC specification writing team.

 

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of business processes, technical knowledge, and project management skills to develop, maintain, and track project workplans and timelines throughout specification lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the PFNA ingredient specification process across Innovation, Productivity, Brand Stewardship, and portfolio transformation initiatives by developing strategic workstreams, defining resource requirements, and driving cross-functional alignment.
• Build and sustain strong cross-functional partnerships across R&D and non-R&D teams—including Procurement, Co-Manufacturing, Quality, SRA, and Legal—while maintaining direct engagement with ingredient suppliers and technical R&D disciplines. Collaborate closely with Food Safety, Quality, Regulatory, and subject matter experts to proactively assess, manage, and mitigate ingredient-related risks.
• Develop and support other junior members in the group to issue management and resolution, partner closely with MCC ingredient specification team to ensure consistency and efficiency in specification updates and Global standards compliance and understanding appropriate escalation channels.
• Demonstrate problem-solving mindset to ensure business continuity. Interpret and analyze data to deliver sound technical recommendations on ingredient specifications. Proactively identify and address gaps in system, process, ways of working and clearly communicating their implications for the business.
• Coordinate and deliver training sessions for product developers and cross-functional partners to ensure clear understanding and consistent application of the specification process.
• Lead and prioritize the activities of Ingredient Subject Matter Expert (SME) reviewers, ensuring timely and accurate specification reviews aligned with project needs.
• Assist in managing the Opex Spec Team’s budget, with a focus on tracking and optimizing spend related to external contractor support.
• Specification Review & Approval. Conduct final reviews and approvals of specifications by validating data quality and compliance with Global Ingredient standards.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $89,000 - $149,000.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 10% of annual salary paid out annually.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

• Education/Certifications: BS/MS/PhD Degree in Food Science or Food Engineering or related field 
• BS with 5+ years’, MS with 3-4+ years', or PhD with 2-3+ years' experience in R&D or manufacturing/production environment in foods industry
• Experience in product or process development /commercialization/optimization and/or productivity.
• Demonstrated capability to effectively manage complex or multiple project