R&D Scientist

Sterling Engineering, Inc.; Thornton Township (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Job summary

Sterling Engineering, Inc. seeks a Research & Development Specialist in Thornton, IL to drive new food products from concept to commercialization. You will develop formulations, optimize processes, and work with operations and quality teams to scale up manufacturing.

Hands-on lab experience, strong data analysis, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting are required, with a background in food science or related technical fields.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years of food product development experience.
• Direct experience supporting or executing product scale-up within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with data analysis, formulation, or product development software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and execute laboratory experiments, including product formulation, testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Support new product development from initial concept through commercialization.
• Lead the collection, preparation, and organization of technical documentation required throughout the commercialization process.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support product and process development decisions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, formulations, test results, and technical reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing products, formulations, processes, and overall product costs.
• Partner with plant Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot formulation, processing, and production challenges.
• Support product scale-up and transition from laboratory development to full-scale manufacturing.

Skills

Food product development

Manufacturing scale-up

Laboratory & data analysis

Cross-functional problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Data analysis software

Job description

Title: R&D Specialist (Food Manufacturing)Location: Thornton, ILHire Type: Direct HireCompensation: $80-100kBonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus potentialBenefits: Medical Dental Vision 401kMust have Skill Set:Food Product Development: Hands-on experience developing and improving food products and formulations.Manufacturing Scale-Up: Proven experience taking products from laboratory development into plant-level production.Laboratory & Data Analysis: Ability to independently execute experiments, evaluate results, and use data to guide development decisions.Cross-Functional Problem Solving: Experience partnering with Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot and improve products and processes.Overview:A growing food manufacturing organization is seeking a Research & Development Scientist to support the development of new products, optimization of existing formulations and processes, and identification of cost-saving opportunities. This position will have hands-on involvement throughout the product development lifecycle, from laboratory experimentation and sensory evaluation through commercialization and manufacturing scale-up.The R&D Scientist will work closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Marketing teams while gaining broad exposure to food formulation, packaging development, food safety, process improvement, and new product commercialization.Job Duties:Independently plan and execute laboratory experiments, including product formulation, testing, and sensory evaluations.Support new product development from initial concept through commercialization.Lead the collection, preparation, and organization of technical documentation required throughout the commercialization process.Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support product and process development decisions.Maintain accurate laboratory records, formulations, test results, and technical reports.Identify opportunities to improve existing products, formulations, processes, and overall product costs.Partner with plant Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot formulation, processing, and production challenges.Support product scale-up and transition from laboratory development to full-scale manufacturing.Qualifications:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science, or a related technical field.Minimum 2 years of food product development experience.Direct experience supporting or executing new product scale-up within a manufacturing environment.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.Experience with data analysis, formulation, or product development software is a plus.Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.#infood