Food R&D Product Development

The Fountain Group; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a R&D Product Development Scientist for a prominent client in Glenview, IL. This onsite role involves benchtop formulation, prototype development, analytical testing, sensory evaluation, shelf-life studies, and DOE-driven projects within AFH foods.

The candidate will manage multiple development projects, develop recipes and labels, and provide technical support during initial production, with ~15% travel to manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or related/equivalent discipline.
• 3–4+ years of hands‑on product development experience.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D product development initiatives for AFH food products (innovation, renovation, productivity, commercialization).
• Conduct benchtop formulation, prototype development, analytical testing, sensory evaluation, shelf-life studies, and factory trials.
• Develop recipes, technical documentation, costings, and product labels; provide technical support during initial production.
• Manage multiple development projects with semi-autonomous execution; travel ~15% to manufacturing sites.

Skills

Benchtop formulation

Prototype development

Analytical testing

DOE

Product costing

Labeling & documentation

Factory trials

Project management

On-site travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / related discipline

Job description

The Fountain Group iscurrently seeking a R&D Product Development for a prominent client of ours. This position is located at Glenview, IL.Details for the position are as follows:

Job Title: R&D Product Development Scientist
Location: Glenview, IL – Onsite
Pay Rate: $70/hr
Duration: 1 year

Job Description

Support R&D product development initiatives for Away From Home (AFH) food products, including innovation, renovation, productivity, and commercialization projects. Conduct benchtop formulation, prototype development, analytical testing, sensory evaluation, shelf-life studies, and factory trials. Develop recipes, technical documentation, costings, and product labels while providing technical support during initial production. Manage multiple development projects with semi-autonomous execution and approximately 15% travel to manufacturing sites.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related/equivalent discipline.

• 3–4+ years of hands‑on product development experience.

Required Skills

• Hands‑on benchtop formulation and prototype development.

• Food product development experience in an R&D or laboratory environment.

• Experience conducting analytical measurements and laboratory experiments.

• Product evaluation involving flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and shelf life.

• Experience with recipe development, product costing, and technical documentation.

• Understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE).

• Experience supporting factory trials and initial production.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent product development projects with semi-autonomous execution.

• Willingness to work onsite Monday–Friday and travel approximately 15% to manufacturing locations.

Preferred Skills

• Experience developing condiments, sauces, soups, or macaroni and cheese products.

• Foodservice / Away From Home (AFH) product development experience.

• Experience with sensory testing, shelf‑life studies, or nutritional analysis.

• Experience with product commercialization and renovation.

• Experience with recipe and label development.

• Internship or co‑op experience in food or consumer products R&D.