R&D Technologist: Food Science & Pilot Plant

Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.; Gridley (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Health & dental plan

401(k) with Company match

generous family leave policy

Job summary

The R&D Technologist at Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc. will support the R&D team in healthy snacking product development, conducting experiments, and pilot plant trials.

You will document results, ensure food safety compliance, and aid in scale-up with extrusion processes and analytical equipment. You will collaborate with food scientists, source ingredients, prepare samples, and maintain laboratory records while learning and applying Genesis R&D software and MS Office tools.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Engineering, Biology, or related field preferred but minimum High School Graduate or GED.
• 1–3 years of experience preferred in a food manufacturing or food laboratory setting with preference given to candidates with direct, applicable experience in extrusion processing.
• Basic understanding of food safety regulations and lab procedures.
• Attentive with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Basic scientific understanding of food ingredient functionality, food ingredient interactions, and food processing.
• Models the highest levels of integrity, humility, and willingness to learn and teach.
• Basic understanding of food product labeling, nutrition, and packaging.
• Basic level knowledge or willingness to learn Genesis R&D (or similar) formulation and nutritional analysis software.
• Intermediate computer skills with thorough working knowledge of MS Office software.
• Well‑developed sense of personal initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision.
• Willingness and ability to independently travel overnight via commercial transportation or driving motor vehicle to support business objectives up to 25%.
• Exceptional communication skills – both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Assist Food Scientists in conducting product development trials and experiments.
• Ability and willingness to learn to operate pilot plant equipment and to support the maintenance, setup, operation, and sanitation along with other pilot plant technicians and staff.
• Prepare samples and ingredients for testing and sensory evaluation as needed.
• Accurately record and organize data from lab tests, pilot runs, and production trials.
• Support the implementation of food safety and quality protocols (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure cleanliness and calibration.
• Help troubleshoot production issues under the guidance of senior staff.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to source ingredients and materials.
• Assist in compiling technical reports, specifications, and regulatory documentation.
• Willingness to share workload related to small scale commercial production runs at PML by serving in hands‑on roles such as blending, extruder operations, sanitation, and/or product packaging as needed.
• Develop a thorough operational and theoretical knowledge of extrusion processing and analytical equipment.
• Maintain all applicable R&D project documentation to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to engineering, procedural, product, quality, and safety.
• Continuously drive self‑development and development of others to ensure an effective and cohesive team environment.

Skills

Extrusion processing

Laboratory experiments

Data recording

Food safety standards

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science

Tools

Genesis R&D

MS Office

Job description

The R&D Technologist at Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc. will support the R&D team in healthy snacking product development, conducting experiments, and pilot plant trials.

You will document results, ensure food safety compliance, and aid in scale-up with extrusion processes and analytical equipment. You will collaborate with food scientists, source ingredients, prepare samples, and maintain laboratory records while learning and applying Genesis R&D software and MS Office tools.