Job Description
Under the general supervision of the Food Scientist, the Lab Technician is responsible for carrying out new product development projects, including developing samples, setting up tasting sessions, evaluating ingredients, preparing correspondence and technical support duties, and preparing various documents. The role also involves supporting R&D and cross-functional departments as necessary, with 75% of the day dedicated to proofing, mixing, and baking, and 25% to other responsibilities.
ResponsibilitiesAssist the Food Scientist in preparing product samples by following product recipes, mixing, proofing, baking, weighing, and evaluating benchwork samples.Attend factory on-site test productions and provide guidance in the product manufacturing process to verify compliance and obtain optimal samples from scheduled plant trials.Prepare and attend product reviews, sensory sampling, and cuttings to replicate end-user experience.Assist the Food Scientist in locating new ingredients, procuring samples, and completing documents.Evaluate, procure, retain, and trial samples for qualitative, sensory, and quantifiable elements.Develop and maintain a filing system for new ingredients.Maintain, stock, and replenish ingredients as needed.Conduct regular cycle counting and inventory of R&D ingredients.Organize and maintain raw ingredient storage locations.Receive ingredient COAs from ingredient vendors and maintain them according to the process.Organize, track, and retain product samples in frozen or ambient storage.Communicate promptly and professionally with plant management, vendors, and internal cross-functional departments, including scheduling, process, and results.Perform analytical equipment calibrations and schedule periodic lab equipment calibration and preventive maintenance.Assist the Food Scientists in preparing and dispatching technical documents within the organization.Communicate and collect technical documents from ingredient suppliers and the plants.File and update documents as necessary, including ingredients, formulas, and product specification data.Assist Product Developers in researching subjects, compiling information, and answering technical questions from customers.Prepare documentation associated with department needs, including meeting minutes and customer correspondence.Collaborate with vendors, internal and external customers, and provide input on process, product, or formulation to aid in optimal product solutions.Stay current on trends, equipment, and techniques, including attending professional education as appropriate.Initiate label requests and organize an efficient document filing system.Maintain the office, laboratory, kitchen, and storage in professional appearance.Prepare package shipments and coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries.Essential Skills2-3 years of experience in a food lab environment, R&D preferred.Experience in quality control and baking.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, and percentages.Proficiency in computer and software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and online search engines.Ability to operate various analytical lab equipment, including lab scale, pH meter, refractometer, viscometer, Aw meter, and moisture analyzer.Familiarity with lab baking and cooking equipment, such as proofers, sheeters, ovens, and mixers.Additional Skills & QualificationsBachelor's in Science is preferred but not required.Comfortable getting hands dirty and doing the actual baking, including kneading dough, measuring and mixing ingredients, and evaluating baked samples.Ability to perform sensory testing.Strong teamwork skills and ability to work collaboratively across different levels and departments.Logical reasoning and common sense to carry out instructions.Ability to reason through issues involving variables in situations with limited standardization.Work Environment
The Lab Technician will work on a small team in an R&D laboratory environment within a production facility. The laboratory is equipped with large lab tables, mixers, ovens, refrigerators, and freezers for prepping dough and completing baking tasks. After baking, cooling racks are used for monitoring and documenting results. There is a desk in the laboratory for documentation, reporting, and coordinating. The role involves collaborating with food scientists and the R&D Manager, allowing autonomy while working in a team environment. The position offers flexible start and end times between 7am-9pm and ending between 3pm-5pm.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 Hoffman Estates,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.