Food Technologist

US02 Solina USA Inc.; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Solina USA in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking a Technologist to lead product development projects from bench top to commercialization, driving cost optimization through formulation and processing efficiencies.

You will create prototypes, evaluate ingredients, and work with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative flavor solutions for meat, poultry, and other food products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field.required
• 2+ years plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry required
• Ability to read and write in English

Responsibilities

• Develops new products and line extensions from bench top to commercialization.
• Performs pilot plant tests to generate product prototypes, documents results, and communicates progress.
• Runs production tests at manufacturing plants developing commercially viable new products or reformulated products.
• Works with online formulation database system creating or adjusting product formulations.
• Maintains accurate project files, formulations, specifications and product data.
• Collaborates with cross functional teams on projects providing product development support.
• Improves product development skills through training and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.
• Assists other R&D team members to generate product prototypes.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the direct manager.

Skills

Meat processing

Formulation

Pilot plant testing

Documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

2+ years plant manufacturing experience in meat processing

Job description

Primary Location : Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States of America At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture. We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient. Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America. By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet. If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us ! Solina USA, is a proud Solina Group company, specializing in the creation of customized seasonings and sauces. We take pride in our four strategically located production facilities across the United States which empower us to deliver high-quality, innovative flavor solutions efficiently to our customers. Our focus is on catering to Quick Service Restaurants, Fast casual, Casual dining, and food manufacturers, where our commitment lies in providing exceptional flavor solutions tailored to their unique needs. Solina USA has a proven national reputation of providing an exceptional customer experience by providing a high-quality product at a cost-competitive price point. We create dynamic relationships where our creativity can be visible through our customers culinary vision making “Food Matter.”

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Technologist will lead projects and document results as well as the research of programs to drive cost optimization through formulation and processing efficiencies, create new prototypes for product development initiatives, and identify/approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops new products and line extensions from bench top to commercialization.
• Performs pilot plant tests to generate product prototypes, documents, organizes product reviews, and provides verbal and written communication on progress of projects.
• Runs production tests at manufacturing plants developing commercially viable new products or reformulated products to improve quality.
• Works with on-line formulation data base system creating or adjusting product formulations.
• Maintains accurate project files, formulations, specifications and product/ project data.
• Works with cross functional teams (Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Quality, Process Control etc.) on projects providing product development support.
• Improves product development skills though appropriate training, understanding USDA/ FDA regulations and hands‑on working in projects.
• Assists other R&D team members if required to generate product prototypes.
• Perform additional duties as given by the direct manager.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered.

Typical qualifications would be: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 2+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of methods and ingredients.
• Understanding regulatory standards and ingredient labeling is a plus.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality.
• Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimum supervision.
• Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to multi-task; strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• May require travel up to 40% of the time.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY NO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 10%

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions described here are representative of those experienced by an employee daily while performing this job's functions. Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation.

May access and work in the manufacturing plant. Required to travel. May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands. Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the plant area.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Solina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Posters. If you have a disability and you believe you need reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free 1-800-461-9330.

We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment.

Culture

At Solina, our culture is guided by PACE – a shared mindset that helps us grow, collaborate, and bring ambitions to life. It encourages us to think bigger, take ownership, stay curious, and succeed together.

Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.