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Sensory Panel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GRUMA

Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX

Leads the descriptive panel and provides value-added actionable sensory results to drive business performance across the product categories. Works as a partner for both departments R&D and Marketing ...

Mission Foods

Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX

Leads the descriptive panel and provides value-added actionable sensory results to drive business performance across the product categories. Works as a partner for both departments R&D and Marketing ...

GRUMA

Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

Leads the descriptive panel and provides value-added actionable sensory results to drive business performance across the product categories. Works as a partner for both departments R&D and Marketing ...

Eurofins

Sensory Research Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

The manager will coordinate internal workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration with Panel Leaders and Technician, and will actively influence and motivate sensory panelists to deliver accurate and ...

Humetis Group

Quality & Food Safety

Albany, GA · On-site

... sensory panel coordination, sample collection, and product specification verification. * Scan and organize documentation for inbound verification and record-keeping activities. * Provide technical ...

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How much do sensory panel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensory panel in the United States is $21.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sensory Panel job?

A Sensory Panel job involves evaluating the taste, texture, smell, and appearance of food, beverages, or other products using your senses. Panelists provide feedback to help companies improve product quality, consistency, and consumer appeal. Training is often provided to ensure consistency in evaluations, but no formal experience is usually required. This role is ideal for individuals with keen sensory perception and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sensory Panel position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensory Panel member, you need a keen sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and the ability to follow specific testing protocols, often with a background in food science or related fields being advantageous. Training in sensory evaluation methods and familiarity with data recording tools or specialized software are commonly required. Reliability, impartiality, and strong communication skills are important soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure accurate, objective feedback that supports product development and quality assurance in food and beverage industries.

What does a typical day look like for a Sensory Panel member?

A typical day for a Sensory Panel member consists of participating in multiple tasting sessions where you evaluate foods, beverages, or other products based on attributes like flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance. Panel members follow structured protocols, record observations, and may participate in discussions or feedback sessions with product developers or researchers. Work is usually conducted in a controlled environment, either individually or as part of a small team, to minimize bias and ensure consistency. You'll frequently collaborate with sensory scientists and quality assurance professionals, making clear communication and attention to detail essential elements of the job.

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What cities are hiring for Sensory Panel jobs? Cities with the most Sensory Panel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sensory Panel jobs? The most popular types of Sensory Panel jobs are:
What states have the most Sensory Panel jobs? States with the most job openings for Sensory Panel jobs include:
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Sensory Panel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensory Panel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,499 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Scientist, R&D - Panel Leader & Descriptive Sensory

Scientist, R&D - Panel Leader & Descriptive Sensory

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 380 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Description
Job Purpose
The Sensory Descriptive Panel Leader is responsible for sensory descriptive panel research for assigned Kraft Heinz product categories. This role owns day-to-day panel operations, including project management, panelist training and performance, data collection and analysis, reporting, and delivery of actionable sensory insights that inform product development, quality, and business decisions.
The position collaborates closely with the Sensory & Consumer Experience team, R&D, Marketing, and other internal partners to deliver rigorous, timely, and aligned sensory data and recommendations.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Plan and conduct descriptive sensory projects, participate in development of project objectives, execute against same, and recommend action plans to implement key findings
  • Lead descriptive sensory analysis (QDA) panels for assigned product categories, including planning, scheduling, preparing, and facilitating panel sessions.
  • Moderate panel discussions and consensus sessions objectively and without bias while ensuring adherence to established sensory protocols.
  • Recruit, train, rescreen, motivate, and manage panelists to maintain a qualified, reliable, and high performing panel.
  • Develop and deliver sensory training for panelists, plant personnel, and internal stakeholders on sensory fundamentals, evaluation methods, and best practices.
  • Analyze and interpret sensory data; prepare preliminary and final reports; and present findings and actionable recommendations to internal clients and cross functional teams.
  • Monitor panel performance using statistical tools and implement calibration, retraining, or corrective actions as needed to ensure data quality and consistency.
  • Develop and maintain sensory reference library including reference standards, consumables, sample prep procedures, evaluation procedures and proper documentation.
  • Support global sensory alignment by collaborating with regional and international sensory teams to ensure consistency of methods, protocols, and data interpretation across locations.
  • Collaborate with Senior Sensory Scientists on preference mapping and qualitative multivariate analysis studies.
  • Consult with internal clients to clarify research needs and align methodologies with business objectives
  • Develop a working understanding of Kraft Heinz brands, categories, and business priorities

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Statistics, Market Research, or a related field with 2-3 years of relevant experience; or an Associate of Science with a sensory and consumer science certification and equivalent experience.
  • Strong knowledge of sensory methodologies, including descriptive analysis, and discrimination testing.
  • Solid understanding of statistical analyses for sensory data; experience with multivariate techniques (e.g., PCA, PLS, MDS) preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and interpret analytical sensory studies and translate results into clear business recommendations.
  • Experience with sensory data collection and analysis software (e.g., RedJade, Compusense preferred), including test setup, dashboards, and reporting.
  • Proven capability to evaluate and improve panel performance through application of statistical monitoring tools.
  • Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and manage the group dynamics of sensory panels.
  • Excellent organizational, project management, prioritization, and time-management skills; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • High attention to detail with a strong commitment to scientific rigor, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based environment.
  • Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
  • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to support training, calibration, or global alignment activities.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Warrendale, PA. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Warrendale Innovation Center.
Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but not limited to
  • Ability to lift 20lbs

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Heinz Innovation Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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