Food Scientist / Product Development Consultant (Startup – Healthy Energy Drink)
Job Type: Contract / Consultant (Flexible, As-Needed)
Location: Carrollton, TX
About Us
We are an early-stage startup developing a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. Our mission is to create a clean-label, functional beverage that delivers great taste with thoughtfully selected ingredients and science-backed formulation. We are looking for an experienced Food Scientist to join us as a consultant and help bring our product from concept to market.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Food Scientist with experience in beverage formulation, food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and flavor development. This is not a full-time position. Instead, we are looking for someone who can serve as an ongoing consultant and trusted technical resource, available on an as-needed basis throughout the product development process.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working with startups, providing guidance when needed, troubleshooting formulation challenges, and helping us make informed decisions as we move toward commercialization.
Responsibilities
- Develop and refine beverage formulations.
- Research and recommend functional ingredients.
- Advise on ingredient interactions, stability, and shelf life.
- Assist with flavor development and optimization.
- Recommend ingredient suppliers and flavor houses.
- Provide guidance on FDA regulations, labeling, and product compliance.
- Assist with manufacturing scale-up and co-packer communication.
- Be available to answer technical questions and provide consulting support throughout product development.
- Participate in meetings or calls as needed to review progress and recommend next steps.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Experience developing beverage products, preferably functional beverages or energy drinks.
- Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and flavor systems.
- Experience working with ingredients such as natural caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, sweeteners, adaptogens, electrolytes, or botanical extracts.
- Knowledge of product stability, shelf life, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
- Previous experience working with startups or bringing products from concept to commercialization is highly preferred.
Compensation
This is a flexible consulting opportunity. Compensation will be based on experience and may be structured as an hourly consulting rate or on a project basis. We anticipate an ongoing relationship where the consultant is available as needed rather than working a fixed schedule.
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who enjoys innovation, is responsive, collaborative, and excited to help build a new beverage brand from the ground up. If you've helped launch successful beverage products and enjoy serving as a trusted advisor for growing companies, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $61,400.00 - $73,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
