Sr Scientist – Research & Development

You will play a critical role in fueling KFC US’ pipeline of finger lickin’ good innovations by helping develop new menu items that deliver crave-worthy, guest-delighting experiences. Your mission is to support and lead portions of the innovation process—from early concept development to testing and validation—by contributing technical expertise, coordinating cross-functional input, and advancing new products toward commercialization. You will help ensure that every new menu item meets KFC’s high standards for taste, quality, operational ease, and brand relevance. Lead portions of the new product development process, including concept development, benchtop prototyping, ingredient exploration, and formulation refinement. Conduct product evaluations, sensory testing, and in-restaurant validations to assess consumer acceptance, operational feasibility, and product performance. Partner with suppliers to support the development of new ingredients and components, review technical data, and help refine specifications required for scale-up and commercialization. Analyze consumer insights, operational data, and cost implications to guide product decisions and recommend improvements that enhance appeal, feasibility, and value. Collaborate cross-functionally (Marketing, Operations, QA, Supply Chain/RSCS) and deliver clear reports, technical documents, and presentations that communicate progress, findings, and recommendations. Monitor food, flavor, and QSR innovation trends to identify whitespace opportunities and inspire forward-thinking product concepts. Represent the FIT team in innovation and commercialization meetings by providing product development expertise, sharing updates, identifying risks, and contributing solutions. Own and independently manage defined NPD projects from concept through testing phases, ensuring timely progress, alignment to brand strategy, and readiness for scale-up. Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field. Experience: 4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor’s. Experience in New Product Development position in the food industry. Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively. Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action-able recommendations. Proven project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Mindset: Passion for creating craveable, high-quality food experiences. Curious, resourceful, and energized by innovation and experimentation. Comfortable navigating ambiguity and iterating quickly to move ideas forward. Collaborative team player who inspires others and contributes positively to team culture. Resilient and persistent in driving development work through technical and operational challenges. Salary Range: $105,030 to $110,865 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.