The Task At-Hand:
Great products don’t just happen - they’re experimented on, refined, and built by curious minds willing to push boundaries.
As Innovation Scientist, you will report directly to the Innovation Manager and will support the development, testing, and advancement of new products across the Juneshine Brands portfolio. This is a hands-on, lab forward role for a mid-level innovator who loves experimentation, problem-solving, and seeing ideas move from concept to pilot and beyond.
If you enjoy a startup-style environment where experimentation, adaptability, and taking ownership are part of the everyday process - you’ll thrive in this role!
Who You Are:
Curious, creative self-starter who thrives in dynamic, collaborative environmentsStrong execution mindset - owns key workstreams from concept to launchPlays a critical role in bringing new flavors, formats, and formulations to lifeMotivated by continuous improvement and comfortable working independentlyClosely aligns with cross-functional partners to incorporate feedback and drive projects forward
What You'll Do:
Serve as the day-to-day owner for assigned innovation projectsTranslate innovation briefs into experimental design and formulation strategySupport SKU optimization and reformulation initiatives across the portfolioCoordinate shelf-life studies and formulation trials, maintaining accurate records to support data-driven recommendationsCollaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to provide technical input and ensure smooth scale-upPresent project updates, technical findings, and recommendations to support commercialization decisions, with guidance from the Innovation Manager
Must Have's:
Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of applicationBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering, or a related scientific field2-4 years of experience in beverage, CPG, food & beverage R&D, or a related product development environmentHands-on experience with beverage formulation and product development, including bench-top testing and pilot trialsExperience supporting or executing commercial scale-up from R&D to productionWorking knowledge of carbonation systems, pasteurization processes, and shelf-life testing methodologiesKnowledge of food safety standards, GMPs, regulatory compliance, and nutrition labeling requirementsExperience using data analysis, formulation software, or spreadsheets to manage formulas, track experiments, and interpret resultsPotential for up to ~20 days of travel per year (subject to change) to support third-party R&D partners, onboard new products with co-manufacturers, and assist with onboarding new manufacturing partners
Nice to Have:
Prior experience developing alcoholic beverages, functional beverages, kombucha, or THC-infused productsExperience working with co-packers, contract manufacturers, or external R&D partnersDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot formulation, processing, or stability challenges during product developmentAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environmentStrong cross-functional collaboration skills when working with innovation, operations, quality, and marketing teamsComfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities may evolve
Compensation, Benefits + Perks:
Compensation:$80,000 - $90,000, per yearThe final offer will be based on several factors, including experience, skills, overall expertise and locationPerks + Benefits:Unlimited Paid Time OffHealthcare coverage: up to 90% company contribution for employees and 25% for dependentsVoluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans401(k) with up to 4% company match12 weeks of paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and a sustainable baby giftBooch, spirit, beer, and soft good perksAnd more!
Who We Are
Our Purpose: To make quality, purpose-driven beverages
Our Business: Our vision is to create the next-generation beverage platform, comprising distinct brands, each with its own ethos and purpose. Despite being a multi-billion dollar industry, it lacks options that cater to the next generation of drinkers who will demand more from their alcohol than a mere buzz. Disrupting this industry is a worthy, and massive opportunity.
Our Culture: Our core values are Quality, Transparency, and Team-First. We derive much of our management policy from a book we give you upon hiring, ‘Let My People Go Surfing', by Yvon Chouinard (founder, owner, Patagonia). Our policy is to allow workers flexible hours, provided the work gets done with no negative impact on others. Our ‘let my people go surfing’ policy demands that we hire very unique individuals; those with a combination of self-motivation, self-discipline, and energy.
JuneShine Brands is a purpose-driven organization composed of a diverse and dynamic group of individuals with varied backgrounds, passions, and beliefs. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued. We seek to hire self-motivated, independent thinkers, who embrace challenging the status quo. Join us at JuneShine Brands where you’re encouraged to bring your authentic self to your craft every day. As a proud equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to ensuring fairness and equity in our hiring practices.
You must reside in the United States to be considered for this position.
This role supports multiple beverage brands within the JuneShine Brands portfolio, including alcohol and hemp-derived THC beverages.
All Juneshine Brands products are intended for adults 21+.
