Product Developer, Research & ...

IFT Education, Extension & Outreach Division; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Real Good Foods in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking a Product Developer in R&D to generate samples and analytical data, turning formulation direction from senior R&D into prototypes, running trials, and decision-grade results.

As a Real Good Product Developer you will formulate benchtop prototypes, design experiments with proper controls, maintain master formulas and data sets, and work with leadership to move projects forward with a proactive, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• BS in a related field or equivalent hands-on R&D experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on bench product development in food or CPG.
• Strong benchwork: formulation, ingredient functionality, prototyping, and rapid iteration.
• DOE and basic statistical analysis with clear data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and generate benchtop prototypes and samples to support pipeline needs.
• Design and run experiments with proper controls and design-of-experiments discipline.
• Own accurate, complete documentation: master formulas, specifications, nutritionals and labels.
• Keep leadership and cross-functional partners informed on status and risks with proposed paths.
• Partner cross-functionally to drive business results and execute company priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and deliver real good outcomes.

Skills

Bench formulation & prototyping

DOE & statistics basics

Data documentation & reporting

Sensory & shelf-life support

Collaboration & influence

Education

BS in Food Science, Meat or Animal Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

The Real Good Story

Real Good Foods started with a pretty simple idea: food should taste great and be made better. Today, we’re building something bigger around that belief—challenging the status quo with real ingredients, more protein, fewer carbs, and food people genuinely crave. Through it all, we keep it real: real food, real ingredients, and really good taste. Because eating well shouldn’t be complicated. It should be Real Good.

PRODUCT DEVELOPER

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

• BOLINGBROOK, IL
• FULL-TIME
• $80,000-$90,000 BASE

The Real Good Story

Real Good Foods started with a pretty simple idea: food should taste great and be made better. Today, we’re building something bigger around that belief—challenging the status quo with real ingredients, more protein, fewer carbs, and food people genuinely crave. Through it all, we keep it real: real food, real ingredients, and really good taste. Because eating well shouldn’t be complicated. It should be Real Good.

As a Real Good Product Developer in R&D you will generate the samples and the analytical data that move our development pipeline forward, turning formulation direction from senior R&D into made prototypes, run trials, and decision-grade results.

On Your Plate

• Formulate & generate benchtop prototypes and samples at the volume and speed the pipeline needs, translating formulation direction from senior R&D into made product
• Design and run experiments with proper controls and design-of-experiments discipline [Key responsibility or outcome this role owns]
• Own accurate, complete documentation: master formulas, specifications, nutritionals and formulation-system entries, and label data sets, so the data holds up downstream
• Keep leadership and cross-functional partners current on status and progress, and raise risks and slippage early with a proposed path forward
• Partner cross-functionally to drive business results and execute against company priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, solve problems, and create real good outcomes

Recipe for Success

• Sample throughput keeps the pipeline moving; senior R&D is not waiting on samples
• Bench data is complete, controlled, and trusted, so formulas, BOMs, specifications, and labels are right the first time
• Yield and process metrics from trials are captured cleanly and feed validation without rework
• Bench-to-plant gaps are surfaced early
• Bring a proactive, ownership mindset to your work and help move projects forward
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-accountability team culture

What You Bring To The Table

• BS in Food Science, Meat or Animal Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on R&D experience
• 3+ years of hands-on bench product development in food or CPG, ideally in protein or further-processed meat
• Strong benchwork: formulation, ingredient functionality, prototyping, and rapid iteration
• Rigorous data and documentation habits: experiments run with controls, clean records, and the ability to summarize and report results clearly
• Command of design of experiments (DOE) and basic statistical analysis
• Experience supporting formal sensory and shelf-life programs
• Experience working in high-growth or entrepreneurial environments
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through collaboration and influence

Why Our Employees Are Full

Because work should feel good, too.

At Real Good Foods, employees can make an impact at a company that's redefining what's possible in frozen food. We're building a brand that helps people eat better without sacrificing the foods they love, and we know that starts with great people.

Upon Joining Real Good Foods, You'll Find

• A mission-driven company focused on improving lives through better nutrition
• A culture that values ownership, action, and fresh thinking
• Real growth and the chance to help shape the future of a category-leading brand

Competitive Compensation And Benefits

• Paid time off, company holiday, and work-life balance initiatives

Equal Opportunity Employer

Real Good Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions, including final compensation package, are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Like any good recipe, this job description includes the key ingredients, but it may not capture every responsibility, duty, qualification, or opportunity that comes with the role. As Real Good Foods continues to evolve, new challenges are added to the menu. If you meet many, but not every, qualification and are excited about making an impact, we encourage you to apply.