Sensory Scientist

Talking Rain•Preston, WA

9d•$98,000 - $121,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year.
FMLA qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave.
Flexibility Stipend.
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.
Fitness Reimbursements.
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.
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.