R&D Product Development

Job Title: R&D Product Development
Location: Glenview, IL - Onsite
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon - Fri)
Contract Duration: 1 year minimum

*Travel 10–15%; Travel will be reimbursed*

Job Summary

This is a research based technical development role providing direction for and execution of projects across our North America Zone AFH. The candidate will be supporting technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on Innovation and Renovation.

This candidate must have a technical background and excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations.

This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying creative solutions are a must.

Responsibilties

• Conduct bench top experiments and / or analytical measurements in the lab.
• Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, shelf-life, and adherence to government and industry standards.
• Support development and commercialization of new / improved products, existing products, reviewing and evaluating ingredients, and delivering cost savings across the Condiments and Sauces unit.
• Work collaboratively with Packaging, Quality, Operations, Project Management, Marketing, Sales to drive, scope, implement projects to meet the business objectives.
• Includes activities such as feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, supervision of factory trials, development of recipe and factory documentation, recipe and label development, technical approval, shelf life assessments and technical support for initial factory production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related/equivalent field.
• 3–4+ years of hands-on product development experience; candidates with only entry-level experience will not meet the requirement.
• Strong benchtop formulation and product development experience.
• Hands-on experience conducting laboratory experiments, prototype development, analytical measurements, and related lab techniques.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with minimal guidance.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, critical thinking, investigation, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new product development challenges.
• Willingness to travel approximately 15% to factory locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, Co-op, or full-time experience specifically in food product development.
• Experience developing condiments and sauces.
• Experience with soups, mac & cheese, or related food products.
• Experience with Foodservice / Away From Home (AFH) product categories.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, shelf-life studies, and analytical or nutritional testing.
• Demonstrated adaptability across multiple product categories or R&D environments.