Food Technologist

Food Technologist - Innovation
Location: Oak Brook, IL (Onsite Only)
Compensation: $,-$, + bonus
Schedule: Full-time, onsite role with regular lab and plant floor involvement

Summary

This position is with an established manufacturer of snack products, recognized for their consistent quality and strong customer relationships. With 67 years of history, the company is embracing change by investing in new technology, innovative marketing, and smarter product development strategies.

They are focused on creating a sustainable future and have adopted a fresh approach to R&D. Backed by stable ownership, a clear product vision, and a growing innovation mindset, this is a place where your contributions will make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Take charge of day-to-day technical activities in the lab, including benchtop testing, formulation, and sample preparation
• Lead efforts to reformulate products to enhance texture, shelf life, and cost-effectiveness
• Collaborate with operations to develop formulations without dyes and with natural flavorings
• Work closely with production to ensure formulations are efficient for manufacturing processes
• Oversee pilot trials and scale-up procedures, addressing any challenges that arise
• Provide support for sensory evaluations, nutritional labeling, and regulatory compliance
• Maintain well-organized project tracking in Excel, including version control, formulation logs, and trial results
• Act as the main technical expert and work closely with the Director of R&D on long-term planning

Requirements

• Must have a BS degree in Food Science or a related science field
• At least 5 years of experience in food scientist technical work and R&D
• Preferably 2+ years of experience working with snacks, confectionary, desserts, baked goods, or similar products
• Solid understanding of product development lifecycle within a manufacturing setting
• Ability to translate creative direction into technical implementation
• Comfortable working in both lab settings and on the production floor with operators and staff
• Experience with contract manufacturing and collaborating with vendors is a plus
• Skilled at managing multiple projects and timelines with minimal supervision
• Effective communicator who can explain technical concepts to non-technical team members