R&D – Product Development Scientist/Food Scientist

Location: Glenview, IL

We are seeking an experienced R&D Product Development professional to support technical development projects focused on product innovation and renovation across North American foodservice/AFH product categories.

This is a hands-on, research-based role requiring strong bench-top formulation and product development experience, technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct bench-top experiments, prototype development, and analytical measurements in a laboratory setting.
• Test new and improved products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, shelf life, and compliance with applicable government and industry standards.
• Support the development and commercialization of new and improved products.
• Review and evaluate ingredients and identify opportunities for product improvement and cost savings.
• Support feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, and factory trials.
• Develop and maintain recipes, labels, factory documentation, and technical specifications.
• Support shelf-life assessments and technical approval processes.
• Provide technical support during initial factory production.
• Collaborate with Packaging, Quality, Operations, Project Management, Marketing, and Sales teams to execute projects and meet business objectives.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while working with minimal guidance and seeking support when needed.
• Apply scientific principles and previous technical knowledge to new product development challenges.

Required 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 in the food or consumer products industry.
• Strong bench-top formulation experience.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Bench experiments
• Prototype development
• Laboratory techniques
• Analytical measurements
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Strong communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, investigation, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments concurrently.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently while receiving general direction and ongoing oversight.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite Monday–Friday.
• Ability to travel approximately 15% to factory locations. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, or full-time experience specifically in food product development.
• Experience with:
• Condiments and sauces
• Soups
• Mac & cheese
• Experience with foodservice / Away From Home (AFH) product categories.
• Experience working across different product types or R&D environments.
• Experience with sensory testing, shelf-life studies, analytical testing, or nutritional testing.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically strong and hands-on R&D professional who enjoys formulation, experimentation, and product development and can collaborate effectively across multiple functions while managing several projects at once.

Location: Onsite

Schedule: Monday–Friday

Travel: Approximately 15%