Food Technician

Winland Foods, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

STD/LTD/AD&D/Life

HSA

FSA

EAP

Hospital indemnity

Accident Insurance

Identity and Fraud Protection Plan

Legal

Critical Illness

Job summary

Winland Foods is hiring a Food Technician in Oak Brook, IL. The role supports lab, pilot plant, and production testing, with responsibilities spanning documentation, trials, and prep for R&D samples. A strong team player who thrives in a fast-paced setting will excel.

Expect to work 1st shift Monday–Friday with flexibility, lifting up to 50 lbs, and standing for extended periods. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with match.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Previous lab or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine laboratory, pilot plant, and production tests following established procedures.
• Support bench-top trials, pilot runs, plant trials, and product start-ups.
• Accurately evaluate, document, and organize test results, formulations, and processing parameters.
• Communicate findings, observations, and challenges to project leads.
• Assist with preparation and shipment of R&D samples for internal and customer use.
• Coordinate ingredient and product shipments for trials and testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and ingredient inventories.
• Keep the lab clean, organized, and GMP-compliant.
• Complete assigned project tasks within established timelines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Written and verbal communication

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Job Overview

Food Scientists play a critical role in turning ideas into high-quality, scalable products that delight customers and perform in manufacturing. This career path is designed to support growth from hands-on formulation and testing to enterprise-level technical leadership and innovation strategy.

Employee Type: Full time
Location: IL Oak Brook
Job Type: Research and Development
Job Posting Title: Food Technician

Schedule: 1st shift Monday-Friday, with flexibility as needed
Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $16.83 to $24.86 Per Hour with additional bonus potential

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine laboratory, pilot plant, and production tests following established procedures
• Support bench-top trials, pilot runs, plant trials, and product start-ups
• Accurately evaluate, document, and organize test results, formulations, and processing parameters
• Communicate findings, observations, and challenges to project leads
• Assist with preparation and shipment of R&D samples for internal and customer use
• Coordinate ingredient and product shipments for trials and testing
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and ingredient inventories
• Keep the lab clean, organized, and GMP-compliant
• Complete assigned project tasks within established timelines

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Previous lab or food manufacturing experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with scientists and operations teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work standing for extended periods
• Willingness to work in hot and cold environments

EEO Statement

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we're passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table. That means:

• Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.
• Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.
• People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We're a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you'll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive. Explore Opportunities At Winland Foods, you'll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we're shaping the future of food.