R&D Food Technologist Job Listing at Kelly Services in Vernon Hills, IL (Job ID US3561345_BH9815179)

Description

Kelly Science has an immediate opening for a R&D Food Technologist for our growing client near Waukegan, IL
Full-time
Direct Hire
Salary: $70,000-$80,000

We are looking for a technically skilled, customer-centric R&D Food Technologist to join our growing Research & Development team. This full-time, permanent position is your chance to play a hands-on role in delivering tailored, functional ingredient solutions to a diverse range of customers. If you thrive at the intersection of product development and innovation, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.

As part of our innovative team, you'll be creating custom prototypes, executing bench formulations, supporting pilot trials, and managing technical data—all while working closely with customers to bring cutting-edge food concepts to life. We're a fast-growing company with a passion for quality and culinary creativity, and we offer real career growth for individuals who are driven, curious, and ready to make an impact.

What You'll Do

Customer-Focused Innovation

• Collaborate with R&D, Culinary, and Sales to develop formulations that directly support customer goals.

• Translate customer insights into functional, testable prototypes and technical solutions.

• Prepare and ship prototypes to customers—often on tight timelines with precision and care.

Ingredient & Specification Management

• Develop and maintain technical specs and documentation for proprietary ingredient blends.

• Ensure accuracy in technical sheets, COAs, and labels using internal specification systems.

• Maintain detailed records of formulations, test data, and production outcomes.

Research & Culinary Support

• Lead commercialization support for innovative products using a range of globally sourced ingredients.

• Perform functional and physical testing (e.g., solubility, bulk density, shelf life, etc.).

• Assist with scale-up, pilot trials, and plant start-ups in collaboration with Operations.

Lab & Technical Center Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized lab environment that aligns with GMP and food safety standards.

• Track inventory and supplies; ensure lab tools and equipment are calibrated and maintained.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.

• At least one relevant internship or hands-on experience in food R&D, QA, or manufacturing.

• Solid understanding of GMPs and functional ingredient systems (starches, gums, flavors, etc.).

• Hands-on experience with kitchen, lab, and production equipment.

• Comfort with food sampling and sensory evaluation.

• Familiarity with spec systems (PLM, Oracle, SAP) and Excel (formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables).

• Bilingual skills (English required; Spanish a plus).

Who You Are

• Communicative and collaborative—able to work cross-functionally with ease.

• Driven by curiosity, with strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on attitude.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

• Flexible and adaptable—ready to pivot when a trial fails or a deadline shifts.

• Motivated by excellence, ownership, and continuous learning.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate, fast-growing company with a commitment to culinary innovation.

• Contribute directly to product development for leading food and ingredient brands.

• Enjoy a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture where your ideas and efforts matter.

• Work with a supportive team that values creativity, quality, and fun.

• Grow your career with clear paths for advancement and skill-building.

Physical & Work Environment

• Frequent movement between lab, office, and production areas.

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on your feet as needed.

• Exposure to powders, processing equipment, and manufacturing environments.

• PPE required (hairnets, lab coats, safety glasses, etc.).

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

 Apply on company website