Food Technologist

US Tech Solutions; Urbana (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Food Technologist to support product improvement initiatives. The role involves developing thermal processes and ensuring compliance with FDA standards. Candidates should have a background in food engineering and experience in R&D, with strong communication and leadership skills. This is a contract position with potential for permanent placement in Chicago.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in R&D at a food or CPG company.
• Strong knowledge of sterilization, retort technologies, and food safety principles.

Responsibilities

• Support product improvement initiatives for company’s product.
• Act as the liaison between Pilot Plant, Global Engineering, NPD, and QA.

Skills

Planning

Coordination

Communication

Scientific problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s in food engineering/technology

Bachelor’s in chemical engineering

Job description

This range is provided by US Tech Solutions. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$34.63/hr - $41.00/hr

Direct message the job poster from US Tech Solutions

*Please note: This is onsite in Urbana Champaign, IL 61801 (with 25% local travel within Chicago & occasional visits to factory)

Duration: 1 year contract (with potential temp to hire)

International Travel: 1 trip to Rotterdam (2 weeks) at the start of the project for training

* Employment Type: W-2

Overview:

Support a product improvement initiative for company’s product. Focus on developing and improving thermal processes to enhance product taste and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• The role will be the bridge between the pilot plant and the global engineering and manufacturing sites for technology, operations, training and trial planning
• Wide exposure: Working with multiple teams of product development, science & technology, Global engineering, and manufacturing sites.
• Experience in CPG R&D: The role will work closely with NPD to make sure thermal processes are developed as per the product needs.
• Develop thermal processes aligned with FDA food safety standards
• Act as the liaison between Pilot Plant, Global Engineering, NPD, and QA
• Ensure compliance with company’s safety and operational standards
• Support FDA filings for thermal processes as needed
• Train others and help maintain pilot plant equipment and safety procedures
• A peer will train the candidate on the technical skills.
• The candidate will have access to a line manager to coach leadership skills.
• Quickly learn and deliver
• Manage a variety of stakeholders to make things happen (internal and external)
• Reporting back progress on the plan.
• Lead and train others

Required Experience:

• 2+ years in R&D at a food or CPG company, preferably in R&D
• Strong knowledge of sterilization, retort technologies, and food safety principles
• Hands-on experience in pilot plant trials, process scale-up, and coordination
• Understanding of unit operations such as mixing, sterilization, and packaging
• Excellent communication, coordination, report writing, and leadership skills
• Ability to coach, train, and work independently across diverse teams

Key Skills:

• Strong planning, coordination, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally
• Scientific problem-solving and reporting
• Quick learner and able to coach others

Education:

• Bachelor’s in food engineering/technology or chemical engineering

Initial Focus (First 90 Days):

• Learn company’s products, processes, safety, and equipment
• Support prototyping and thermal process development
• Manage pilot plant operations and training needs

Potential Growth:

Possible extension or conversion to a permanent R&D role in Chicago, with advancement toward R&D Manager roles in North America or globally.

About US Tech Solutions:

US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit www.ustechsolutions.com.

US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Recruiter Details:

Internal Id: 25-37493

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Food and Beverage Retail

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