Scientist Job at Coca-Cola USA
If you are searching for a high-impact scientist job in the food and beverage industry, this exciting opportunity could be your next big career move. The Coca-Cola Company is hiring a Scientist, Product Development at its North America Innovation Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This role stands out among the most exciting Jobs in the USA and offers hands-on experience in beverage formulation, product testing, and commercialization. Through Coca-Cola careers, this position represents a strong opportunity for food science graduates and professionals interested in food science roles within a globally recognized, innovation-driven company.
About the Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is one of the world’s most recognized beverage companies, serving hundreds of brands across more than 200 countries. The company focuses on innovation, sustainability, and consumer-driven product development. Through Coca-Cola careers, professionals gain opportunities to work in advanced research centers, innovation hubs, and manufacturing facilities that shape the future of beverages worldwide.
The North America Innovation Center in Atlanta plays a critical role in developing new products, supporting global beverage innovation, and driving sustainable growth.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Scientist, Product Development (GDI)
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Company: The Coca-Cola Company
- Job ID: R-137065
- Job Type: Full Time
- Travel Requirement: 0% – 25% (Regional travel up to 10–15%)
- Relocation: No
Scientist Job Summary
As a Scientist in Product Development, the role focuses on transforming concepts into finished products through hands-on formulation, testing, and commercialization activities.
The scientist will work on local and regional innovation projects, using consumer insights and digital tools to ensure that developed products meet consumer expectations, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing constraints.
This is an execution-focused position suited to technically curious professionals who aim to build expertise while contributing to impactful beverage launches.
Key Responsibilities
-
Prototype and Formulation Development
- Develop laboratory-scale beverage recipes based on consumer insights and technical or supply chain requirements.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and internal company protocols during formulation development.
-
Testing and Optimization
- Conduct sensory evaluations, analytical testing, and shelf-life studies.
- Collaborate with microbiology and stability teams to evaluate product performance and improve formulations.
-
Scale-Up and Commercialization
- Support pilot-scale and commercial production trials.
- Ensure compatibility between processing methods and packaging systems.
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with teams across Marketing, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA), Supply Chain, Packaging, and Quality under managerial guidance.
- Engage with global technical experts to incorporate best practices into product development projects.
-
Operational Excellence
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper functioning.
- Follow safety standards, regulatory compliance requirements, and documentation protocols throughout the product development process.
Required Qualifications
-
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
- Food Science
- Or a related discipline.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
-
Experience
- 1–3 years of experience in product development within the food or beverage industry.
-
Technical Knowledge
- Understanding of beverage formulation, ingredient functionality, and basic processing principles.
- Familiarity with sensory evaluation, analytical testing, and experimental design methods.
-
Professional Competencies
- Ability to connect daily technical work with broader project and business objectives.
- Understanding of consumer insights and competitive product landscapes.
- Capability to generate innovative ideas by challenging assumptions and exploring alternative solutions.
- Strong technical problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
- Ability to analyze problems and propose practical solutions.
- Capability to make timely decisions while balancing speed and quality.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviors and occasionally mentor colleagues informally.
-
Language and Travel
- English: Fluent
- Regional languages: Considered an advantage
- Travel: Up to 10–15% regional travel
Key Skills for Scientist Job
- Product Development
- Chemistry
- Food Science and Food Technology
- Sensory Testing
- Microbiological Testing
- Laboratory Testing
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Quality Control (QC)
- Data Compilation
- Research and Analysis
- Continuous Improvement Processes
- Sustainability and Environmental Science
- Communication and Collaboration
- Green Solutions
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary Range: $91,700 – $110,000 per year
- Base pay may vary depending on geographic location, experience, and job-related knowledge.
- Incentives
- Annual Incentive Reference Value: 7.5%
- Employees are eligible for a full range of medical, financial, and additional benefits, depending on the position and company policies.
