Product Development Technician

Cresco Labs; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Stock options

Bonuses

Job summary

Cresco Labs is seeking a Product Development Technician to support developing, evaluating, and commercializing new products at our Joliet, IL facility. You will assist with prototype creation, ingredient screening, and manufacturing support to ensure Cresco’s standards for quality and consumer experience.

The role collaborates with R&D, Operations, and Quality teams to drive trials, documentation, and project execution through bench to production scales, contributing to shelf-life studies and

Qualifications

• 1-3 years prior work experience in a laboratory or manufacturing setting supporting R&D or Product Development.
• Associate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology, Food Science, or related field preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate documentation, trial records, and technical reports.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects.
• Experience with cannabis extracts, processing, or food and beverage production is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support development projects from briefs through commercialization.
• Plan and conduct product and process development trials.
• Maintain subject matter expertise of equipment functions, operations and troubleshooting processes.
• Work in the Joliet, IL facility for 80-100% of working hours.
• Record, analyze, interpret, and present technical data to support product and process decisions.
• Create product prototypes and samples for distribution to key project stakeholders.
• Work with cross-functional teams to plan and train for new product launches from benchtop to manufacturing scale and product commercialization.
• Research and troubleshoot technical issues during development and production, proposing practical solutions.

Skills

Lab experience

R&D support

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Cresco Labs is one of the largest public, vertically integrated, multistate operators in the cannabis industry. Our portfolio of in‑house cultivated and manufactured brands features some of the highest quality, most awarded and most popular cannabis products in America. With dozens of locations nationwide, our owned and operated Sunnyside® dispensaries provide a welcoming, positive, judgement‑free place to shop for anyone at any point on their cannabis journey.

Founded in 2013, Cresco Labs’ mission is to normalize and professionalize cannabis through our passionate employees. As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of our fellow colleagues, consumers, customers, and communities alike. With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEED™ initiative ensures that our company reflects the communities in which we serve, ensuring equal opportunity for all to have the knowledge and resources to work in and own businesses in cannabis.

At Cresco Labs, we aim to revolutionize and lead the nation’s cannabis industry with a focus on quality and consistency of product, and to bring legitimacy to the industry with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

MISSION STATEMENT

At Cresco, we aim to lead the nation’s cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to regulations, and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows, we will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market we move in to.

JOB SUMMARY

The Product Development Technician supports the Cresco Lab’s business strategy in developing, evaluating, and commercializing new and optimized products. This role contributes to prototype creation, ingredient screening, sample preparation, production trials, shelf‑life studies, technical documentation, and manufacturing support. The Technician works cross‑functionally with R&D, Operations, and Quality teams to help ensure products meet Cresco Labs’ standards for quality, consistency, compliance, and consumer experience.

CORE JOB DUTIES

• Support the development team across a wide variety of projects including but not limited to new product development, product optimization and new ingredient evaluations
• Plan and conduct product and process development trials from product briefs through commercialization
• Maintain subject matter expertise of equipment functions, operations and troubleshooting processes used in the Cresco network
• Work in the Joliet, IL. facility for 80-100% of working hours
• Ability to travel to other in-state or out-of-state company locations with reasonable notice, as business needs require
• Execute benchtop and production-scale development trials using bench-top laboratory and manufacturing equipment
• Record, analyze, interpret, and present technical data to support product and process decisions
• Create product prototypes and samples for distribution to key project stakeholders
• Work with cross-functional team members to learn, perform, plan and train for new product launches from benchtop scale through manufacturing scale and product commercialization
• Research, diagnose, and troubleshoot technical issues during development and production phases and find creative solutions with urgency
• Monitor and take action to improve manufacturing yields and product scrap reduction
• Identify, validate and develop resources to demonstrate and maintain product quality before, during and after product commercialization
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary laboratory and production work environment in accordance with company standards
• Develop manufacturing documentation in a timely and detailed manner
• Participate in non‑medicated product evaluations and creative brainstorming sessions, providing feedback on product appearance, taste, texture, format, and overall consumer experience
• Work independently or with cross‑functional team members to meet product commercialization timelines and schedules
• Prepare, maintain, monitor, and report on shelf‑life studies
• Conduct product quality testing during development using analytical equipment and methods, including pH, viscosity, moisture analysis, particle size analysis, and water activity testing
• Research and suggest new ingredient applications to support, improve and diversify product portfolios
• Adapt to changing priorities, project needs, and work locations in a fast‑paced product development and manufacturing environment
• Participate in establishing, improving, and adhering to policies, procedures and reporting requirements for all relevant Environment, Health and Safety regulations; local, state and federal food safety regulations; GMP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); GFSI, SQF, BRC and/or customer food safety requirements and other third‑party inspections

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS

• 1-3 years prior work experience in a laboratory or manufacturing setting supporting R&D or Product Development
• Associate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific or technical field preferred; equivalent experience in laboratory, manufacturing, or product development environments may be considered
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate documentation, trial records, and technical reports
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a sense of urgency in exceeding project timelines, performance expectations, and professional development goals
• Possesses creative problem‑solving skills
• Ability to stand for long hours when needed
• Experience with cannabis extracts, processing, or food and beverage production and different infusion techniques a plus
• Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds, and perform typical cleaning of facilities and equipment

Pay Range

$65,000 - $70,000 USD

BENEFITS

Cresco Labs is proud to offer eligible employees a robust offering of benefits including, major medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(K)-match program, FSA/HSA programs, LTD/STD options, life insurance and AD&D. We also offer eligible employees paid holidays and paid time off. Other rewards may include annual discretionary bonuses, stock options as well as participation in our employee discount program. Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full‑time or part‑time roles, location, or position.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
• Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
• The company does not offer employment‑based visa sponsorship for this role or any other position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship at any time.

Cresco Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") Notice to Applicants:

Please read the California Employee Privacy Notice ("CA Privacy Notice") regarding Sunnyside* and its affiliate Cresco Labs’ policies pertaining to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. This CA Privacy Notice supplements the information contained in the Sunnyside* Privacy Policy and applies to California resident employees and job applicants. Applicants with disabilities may access this notice in an alternative format by contacting [e-mail]