Job Description
The Food Technologist is a key contributor to the product development team, responsible for facilitating the creation and scale-up of innovative food products. This role involves collaborating closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to ensure that product formulations meet quality standards and consumer expectations. The Food Technologist will manage ingredient requests, coordinate sample shipments, and implement formula updates, all while adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines.
ResponsibilitiesCollaborate on Product Development: Work closely with the product development team to support daily lab activities, including pre-batching ingredients and producing product samples for sensory and quality evaluations. Assist in troubleshooting issues that arise during product development and provide innovative solutions to enhance product formulations.Scale-Up Support: Document trial information meticulously, capturing key variables and outcomes to inform future development stages. Collect and analyze samples during scale-up trials, ensuring they meet quality and regulatory standards before shipment to stakeholders. Coordinate with logistics to manage timely and efficient sample shipments, keeping detailed records of all shipments and associated documentation.Sample Management: Own the entire sample request process, including receiving, tracking, and fulfilling requests from various departments and external partners. Maintain an organized inventory of samples and ingredients, ensuring all materials are properly labeled and stored.Kitchen Maintenance: Ensure the innovation kitchen is clean, organized, and well-stocked, maintaining a safe and efficient workspace. Implement and uphold cleaning schedules and protocols to meet hygiene and safety standards.SOP Development and Training: Establish, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to product preparation, lab validation, and equipment usage to ensure consistency and compliance. Conduct training sessions for team members on new procedures and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety.Safety Champion: Promote and enforce food safety, lab safety, and plant safety protocols among all team members, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Participate in safety audits and assessments, providing feedback and recommendations for enhancing safety practices.Additional Responsibilities: Assist management with special projects or initiatives as needed, contributing to a collaborative and innovative work environment.Essential SkillsA Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field is required; advanced degrees are a plus.Experience in a food or beverage technologist role, with a strong focus on product development and scale-up processes.Comprehensive understanding of food processing techniques, ingredient functionality, and formulation principles.Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.Additional Skills & QualificationsPrevious experience in Product Development (can be from an internship or school, but work experience is preferred)Understanding of food process technologies and formulation principles, especially in bakery and food manufacturingCapability to work in cold environments, as necessary for certain food processing tasksAbility to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs., as well as maneuver around various equipment in the lab and production areasPhysical agility to perform tasks that may involve bending, stooping, and reaching overheadIndependent commuting ability between two company locations as neededWork Environment
This position operates within an R&D Lab and Manufacturing Plant. The standard working hours are from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The role requires wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times in compliance with safety regulations, with work divided between sitting at a desk for computer-based tasks and standing during lab activities.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $28.85 - $33.65/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Bourbonnais,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 2025.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.