Product Developer/Food Scientist

Michael Page; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

MPI is seeking a hands-on Product Developer/Food Scientist in Bolingbrook, IL to translate formulation direction into finished products. You will create prototypes, run DOE experiments, and document results to inform leadership decisions.

You’ll work closely with Operations, Quality, Marketing, and other teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, contributing to innovative, better-for-you product development with strong emphasis on data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 2–3+ years of hands-on product development experience in food manufacturing or CPG.
• Experience with formulation, ingredient functionality, prototyping and product optimization.
• Strong documentation, data analysis, and technical reporting skills.
• Knowledge of DOE and basic statistical analysis.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and formulate benchtop prototypes and product samples to support innovation initiatives.
• Design and execute experiments using proper controls and DOE methodologies.
• Maintain accurate product documentation, including formulas, specifications, nutrition, and labeling data.
• Communicate project updates, timelines, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional partners and leadership.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Marketing, and other teams to execute product development projects.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and drive solutions that support business objectives.

Skills

Product development

Formulation

DOE

Data analysis

Documentation

Statistical analysis

Sensory evaluation

Shelf-life testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related

Job description

As a Product Developer within the R&D team, you will play a key role in bringing new products from concept to reality. You'll create prototypes, generate analytical data, conduct trials, and support the development process by translating formulation direction into finished products and actionable insights. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly hands-on food scientist who enjoys working in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Our client is an innovative and rapidly growing food manufacturer focused on creating better-for-you products without compromising on taste. With a strong commitment to innovation, quality ingredients, and consumer-driven product development, the company continues to expand its presence within the food industry and offers employees the opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Description

• Develop and formulate benchtop prototypes and product samples to support innovation initiatives.
• Design and execute experiments using proper controls and DOE (Design of Experiments) methodologies.
• Maintain accurate product documentation, including formulas, specifications, nutritional information, and labeling data.
• Communicate project updates, timelines, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional partners and leadership.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Marketing, and other teams to successfully execute product development projects.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and drive solutions that support business objectives.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. the company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Profile

A successful Product Developer/Food Scientist should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 2-3+ years of hands-on product development experience within food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG).
• Experience with formulation, ingredient functionality, prototyping, and product optimization.
• Strong documentation, data analysis, and technical reporting skills.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and basic statistical analysis.
• Experience supporting sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing programs.
• Exposure to protein products, further-processed meat products, or frozen foods is highly preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment is a plus.

Job Offer

• Join a high-growth food business investing heavily in innovation and product development.
• Work on exciting new product launches that directly impact consumers.
• Collaborate with experienced industry professionals in a highly visible role.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and paid time off.
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement within a rapidly expanding organization.
• Salary of $80,000 to $90,000.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.