Job Title: R&D Product Development Scientist/Specialist

Job Type: Contract

Duration: 12 Months (Potential for Full-Time Conversion)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Glenview, IL (Onsite)

About the Role

We are seeking a R&D Product Development Scientist to support innovation and product development initiatives within a fast-paced, research-driven environment. This role focuses on developing and improving food products through hands-on lab work, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical expertise and a passion for product innovation, who enjoys working in both lab and production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct bench-top experiments and perform analytical measurements in a lab setting
Develop and test new food products for flavor, texture, color, and nutritional content
Support product innovation and renovation initiatives from concept through commercialization
Evaluate ingredients and contribute to cost optimization efforts
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Packaging, Quality, Operations, Marketing, and Sales
Participate in prototype development, feasibility assessments, and factory trials
Develop recipes, documentation, labeling, and technical specifications
Conduct shelf-life testing and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards
Provide technical support during initial production phases

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
3–4+ years of hands-on product development experience (non-entry level)
Strong benchtop formulation experience (critical for success in this role)
Experience conducting lab experiments, prototype development, and analytical testing
Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision
Strong problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills
High attention to detail and ability to work in a structured environment
Must be able to work onsite Monday–Friday
Willingness to travel up to 15% (travel reimbursed)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in product categories such as condiments, sauces, soups, or ready-to-eat meals
Background in foodservice or away-from-home (AFH) product categories
Experience with sensory testing, shelf-life studies, or nutritional analysis
Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE)
Internship or prior experience in the food or consumer products industry

Pay: $55.00 - $65.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

VertiSystem Inc

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