Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Food Science Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative R&D Technician to support our product development initiatives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in culinary arts or laboratory science who are passionate about food innovation, quality, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and testing of new food products, formulations, and processes.
• Prepare and execute bench-top prototypes and pilot plant trials.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations, test results, and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance, Production, and Marketing.
• Support scale-up activities from lab to production.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.
• Preparation and quality review of products for sample request.
• Request raw materials from GML plants for formulation work.
• Development of new products.
• Prepare samples and record results of cuttings with the sales department.
• Preparation and quality review of first production samples being sent to the customer.
• Electronically record and file all evaluation documents.
• Work with Corporate Quality Assurance concerning customer/consumer complaints.
• Review raw materials in application from new or alternate ingredient suppliers.
• Occasional travel to other facilities, customers, and ingredient vendors, which may require 1 to 2 nights out of town.
• Potential for job-related training.

Essential Skills

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in a food lab, culinary kitchen, or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food ingredients, processing techniques, and safety protocols.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with analytical lab equipment and food testing methods.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, and FDA/USDA regulations.
• Creative problem-solving and a passion for food innovation.
• Cooking and Baking Skills.
• Detail-oriented with ability to multi-task.
• Good organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Experience with Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• GML Experience a plus.
• Previous lab experience a plus.

Work Environment

The work environment is a dynamic lab/kitchen setting. You will work Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., which includes a 30-minute paid lunch. The role offers the unique opportunity to be mentored in the art of reverse engineering products and upscaling them into the production process. The company is family-owned with a small R&D team, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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 Chester,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.

Job Tags

Temporary work, Night shift, Monday to Friday,

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