Food Technologist

Actalent; Linden (NJ); On-site; USD 69,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Food Technologist in Linden, NJ, to independently operate, optimize, and troubleshoot lab and pilot-scale equipment for extractions, distillations, and formulations using natural botanicals. You will prepare samples, manage the sample library, and align offerings with customer needs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Food Sciences with 3–5+ years of food/R&D experience, GC/GC-MS proficiency, and GMP knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Sciences required.
• 3-5+ years of experience in food/flavor R&D.
• Proficiency in food science, R&D, and pilot plant operations.
• Experience with GC and GCMS.
• Strong knowledge of GMP principles.

Responsibilities

• Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot lab and pilot-scale equipment.
• Conduct analytical and physical testing (ABV, gravity, refractive index, pH) for development and QC.
• Plan and lead sensory evaluations and interpret results for formulation decisions.
• Run experiments, organize data, and provide technical input on formulations.
• Lead troubleshooting of equipment and process issues; identify root causes.

Skills

Food science expertise

R&D experience

Pilot plant operations

GMP knowledge

Analytical testing & data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Sciences

Tools

GC

GC-MS

Job description

Job Title: Food TechnologistJob Description

We are seeking a skilled Food Technologist to independently operate, optimize, and troubleshoot laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, including percolators, distillation systems, vacuum systems, and rotary evaporators. The candidate will execute complex extractions, distillations, and formulations using natural botanicals, adjusting process parameters to improve yield and quality. This role involves preparing and fulfilling sample requests with accuracy and efficiency, as well as maintaining familiarity with the sample library to recommend products aligned with customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical and physical testing, such as ABV, specific gravity, refractive index, and pH, to support new product development and quality control of existing products.
• Analyze data and communicate findings effectively.
• Plan and lead sensory evaluations, including triangle and preference testing, interpreting results to guide formulation and process decisions.
• Support product development by running experiments, organizing data, and providing technical input on formulations and processes.
• Take a lead role in troubleshooting equipment and process issues, identifying root causes, and recommending corrective actions.
• Assist in pilot trials and scale-up activities, ensuring processes are transferable to production.
• Maintain strict adherence to GMP, HACCP, and SOPs, identifying opportunities for process and documentation improvements.
• Collaborate closely with Regulatory, Quality, and Operations teams to support the successful scale-up and commercialization of new products.
• Train and mentor Lab Technologist I and II team members, providing guidance on lab techniques, equipment use, and best practices.
• Support documentation efforts, including batch records, SOP updates, and technical reports.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Sciences.
• 3-5+ years of experience in food/flavor R&D.
• Proficiency in food science, R&D, and pilot plant operations.
• Experience with GC and GCMS.
• Strong knowledge of GMP principles.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in extraction, distillation, and new product development.
• Knowledge of formulation and food manufacturing processes.

Work Environment

The position is based in a laboratory setting, working closely with a team of three other professionals. The work environment offers a large customer base and a diverse portfolio, providing ample opportunities for growth and development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Linden, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $57.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Linden,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.