WHO WE ARE
We’re Talking Rain, and we’re so much more than water. We build flavorful brands, like Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Sparkling Ice +Energy, Talking Rain Waters, and AQA pH waters. We're creating connections with every sip!
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 Beverage Technology and Innovation team is proud of where we’ve been, but more interested in where we’re going. This team drives creativity, pushing us to find the next big thing.
You will be leading product development and technical applications projects and will be the driving force to increase technical knowledge for developing diverse portfolio of beverages. You will be able to make strong internal and external connections to leverage pipelines, portfolios and technologies for innovation.
Location: Onsite at our Preston, WA office 5 days a week
*Life happens and we know it. In-office days and hours are dependent on department and business needs, so as long as you’re honest about your needs, we will do what we can to support when things pop up.
Annual Bonus Potential: 7% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.
Base Salary: $88,000 - $110,000 (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.
- Provide technical expertise to effectively identify, lead and execute performance optimization projects, formulation enhancement, margin enhancement, quality improvement and ingredient technology & redundancy projects from benchtop to commercialization by leveraging current and new technologies.
- Support new product development & innovation projects including but not limited to flavor extensions and new functional beverage development
- Use knowledge of ingredient functionality, processing parameters, and flavor functionality to develop finished formulas and rapid prototypes to test with consumers to ensure adherence to brand/product guardrails
- Work with vendors and ingredient suppliers to develop product solutions, including optimal solutions for process implementation and improvement.
- Support the development and maintenance of an optimal external innovation network by leveraging suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Identify and bring forward issues & constraints, plus leverage internal & external expertise during the research and execution processes, and resolve technical issues, with minimal supervision
- Develop and manage technical timelines and activities for multiple projects, effectively communicate risks and mitigation options to management and cross functional team.
- Compiles, provides and communicates data clearly in relation to moving products to the commercialization phase
- Coordinate and support research activities by initiating and maintaining collaborations, identifying new technology, optimizing new and existing products by working with external companies and vendors.
- Support Talking Rain’s Technology strategies by documenting data and independent, unique and potentially patentable ideas that results from experimentations and concept generation activities.
- Responsible for creating design of experiments, and leading and conducting trials required for product validation during formulation and development.
- Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are followed at all times, advising your immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science with minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience
- Or Master’s degree in Food Science with minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience
- Strong working knowledge of food science principles, food manufacturing processes and ingredient functionality.
- Ability to travel 25-30% to support trials, vendor visits, co manufacturer visits, etc.
- Please note, this role is safety sensitive, meaning that you would be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others.
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, and we want to equip our Rain Makers with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...
Three Weeks of Vacation. 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!
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 Employees: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive $0.25 per mile.
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.
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 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.
HQ Directors/VPs – Vehicle Stipend – This role qualifies for a vehicle stipend equaling $650/$800 monthly.
Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.
Want to get to know us better? Click to learn about us and our careers. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Instagram, and Facebook.
