Sensory Scientist

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, Popwell and MIXT.

When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with ⁠benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them. 

Our Research & Development team is proud of where we’ve been, but more interested in where we’re going. This team drives creativity, growing our portfolio of products. Here, you will apply your sensory expertise to lead consumer sensory testing, guide product development, and translate insights into opportunities for exceptional product experiences.

Reports to: Manager, Research & Development

Direct Reports: N/A

Location: Onsite at our Preston, WA office 5 days a week

*While we strive to offer flexibility, this role also requires it. There may be times when you're expected to come onsite outside your typical in-office days to support special projects, team events, or other business needs.

Annual Bonus Potential: 7% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Base Salary: $98,000 - $121,000 (depending on experience)

Note: New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Design, execute, and analyze all internal and external sensory tests to support product development. Independently create standardized reports, develop clear written recommendations, presentations, graphs, and visualizations to communicate insights to guide cross-functional decision-making.

• Establish, train, and maintain internal sensory panels, ensuring consistency, reliability, and alignment with testing objectives. Deliver training to internal and external teams as needed.

• Demonstrate strong initiative and prioritization skills, with effective time management, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

• Maintain an organized internal sensory lab, supporting daily operations, efficiency, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.

• Establish cross-functional partnerships to define sensory program objectives, align on deliverables, and support product development goals.

• Manage relationships with external partners and consultants to support sensory goals.

• Lead the assessment and implementation of new sensory research methods to enhance capabilities, drive efficiency, and improve business performance. Help identify and screen emerging technologies that enable improved sensory experiences and support innovation.

• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues.

• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

We create connections with every sip. And we’ve found a lot of value in in-person connections! As a young, fast-growing company, we’re still creating and refining the systems that will fuel our future growth.
Onsite presence is beyond collaboration, and here is why onsite presence matters:

• Supports ad hoc and rapid-turn testing – Being onsite allows flexibility to conduct unplanned tests and provide real-time sensory input as new formulations or adjustments arise.

• Enables immediate cross-functional collaboration – Proximity to R&D, QA, and Operations teams allows for quick alignment and faster iteration on product improvements.

• Drives innovation through real-time observation – Hands-on evaluation and face-to-face collaboration spark new insights and more agile decision-making during development.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent experience considered.

• 4+ years of food sensory experience, including applied statistics and testing methodologies.

• 2+ years in product development preferred, ideally in the beverage industry.

• Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Working knowledge of food science principles, sensory methodologies, food manufacturing

• Ability to work independently, collaborate with stakeholders, manage multiple priorities, and build cross-functional relationships.

Please note, this role is safety sensitive. This means that as part of your core responsibilities you will be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse/plant environment).

Rain Makers are people who are accountable, curious, and inclusive.

We hold ourselves accountable and recognize room for growth while openly accepting feedback. We embrace change to deliver progressive results.

Rain Makers don’t wait for answers – we go find them. Curiosity is part of what makes us so successful. Sometimes we push back, productively challenging the status quo.

We promote inclusivity. Valuing communication and respect, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We are an approachable bunch, building and fostering relationships with people of all backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER

Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks! All regular, full-time Rain Makers are equipped with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...

• Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!

• FMLA qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.

• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.

• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)

• Onsite and Hybrid Rain Makers: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive mileage reimbursement.

• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.

• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.

• • Rain Makers may also enjoy access to our on-site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.

• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!

• Vehicle Program –

• • Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate

  • Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included!

  • Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

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