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
