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Candy Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HVAC Mechanic 2nd Shift

Forest Park, IL · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

... candy manufacturing operations running safely, efficiently, and reliably. Your expertise will ... Conduct water quality testing, including hardness and conductivity analysis, to protect equipment ...

Receptionist - Per Diem

Exeter, NH · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Sells candy, raffle tickets and similar products. * Assist with special events * Keeps a log of ... Mandatory post offer physical and drug testing for new hire. Criminal records check required. This ...

Packaging Engineer II/Sr.

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Provide technical support to plants, co-packers, and co-manufacturers, including quality testing ... Modest monthly candy allotment The anticipated target range for this role is: $75,000-105,000 per ...

Headquartered in Berlin, Germany with all manufacturing in Germany - Storck Group is a Global Candy ... COVID-19 testing or following other safety procedures in order to attend meetings, travel ...

Packaging Engineer II/Sr.

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Provide technical support to plants, co-packers, and co-manufacturers, including quality testing ... Modest monthly candy allotment The anticipated target range for this role is: $75,000-105,000 per ...

Sells candy, raffle tickets and similar products. * Assist with special events * Keeps a log of ... Mandatory post offer physical and drug testing for new hire. Criminal records check required. This ...

... hard candy & gummies. Specific Role Focus Area: * Benchtop development * Pilot plant testing * Equipment assembly and preparation * Support in-plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample ...

Repair and replace faulty electrical components by using testing equipment and hand tools to ... Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara Candy Company business objectives Skills that ...

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Candy Tester information

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$14

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How much do candy tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for candy tester in the United States is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a taste tester a real job?

Yes, being a candy tester or taste tester is a legitimate job where individuals evaluate the flavor, texture, and quality of products. These roles often require sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes specific training or certifications, and they are typically part of product development or quality control teams.

Can you get paid to taste test food?

Candy testers are paid to evaluate the taste, texture, and quality of confections and other food products. These roles often require sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or related fields. Compensation varies, and testers may work as freelancers or for companies conducting product development or quality control.

Is there a legit product tester job?

A legitimate product tester job involves evaluating products such as foods, cosmetics, or gadgets, often requiring attention to detail and feedback skills. These roles are typically offered by companies or market research firms and may involve testing at home or in controlled environments. Be cautious of scams and verify the company's credibility before providing personal information or payment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Candy Tester position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Candy Tester, you need a keen sense of taste and smell, the ability to distinguish subtle flavor notes, and an understanding of food safety and quality control standards. Familiarity with tasting protocols, sensory evaluation forms, and sometimes basic lab equipment is helpful in this role. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and an open-minded approach to trying new products are valuable soft skills for success. These abilities ensure that products are accurately evaluated for flavor, texture, and appearance, contributing to quality assurance in the confectionery industry.

What does a typical day look like for a Candy Tester?

A typical day as a Candy Tester involves sampling new and existing candies, recording detailed observations on taste, texture, appearance, and aroma, and providing constructive feedback to product development teams. You may attend team meetings to discuss findings, collaborate with food scientists and marketers, and help refine recipes based on consumer preferences. The work environment is usually a mix of individual sensory evaluations and collaborative sessions in a quality control lab or test kitchen. You'll also need to adhere to hygiene protocols and manage palate fatigue by pacing tastings throughout the day. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on tasting and meaningful contribution to the creation of new sweet products.

What is a Candy Tester job?

A Candy Tester is responsible for tasting and evaluating various types of candies to assess their flavor, texture, appearance, and overall quality. They provide feedback to help candy manufacturers refine recipes and improve products before they reach the market. This role requires a keen sense of taste, attention to detail, and sometimes knowledge of food science. Some positions may also involve reviewing packaging or suggesting improvements.

How much do taste testers get paid?

Candy testers, as a type of taste tester, typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the company and experience. Some positions may offer a flat rate per product or sample, and the job often requires good taste sensitivity and attention to detail.
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Infographic showing various Candy Tester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,039 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
HVAC Mechanic 2nd Shift

HVAC Mechanic 2nd Shift

Ferrara

Forest Park, IL • On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Ferrara Candy rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 389 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Work Location: Forest Park
Position requiresabilityto work overtime. As a result, it mayrequire workingvarying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.
Core hours: 4pm-4:30am
*Must be flexible to work weekends/holiday when needed
Want to make an impact?
The HVAC Mechanic, reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, plays a critical role in maintaining the systems that keep our candy manufacturing operations running safely, efficiently, and reliably. Your expertise will directly support product quality, equipment performance, and continuous production by ensuring optimal operation of our HVAC, steam, compressed air, refrigeration, and utility systems.
Ways you will make a difference
  • Maintain and optimize HVAC systems, including condensers, air handling units (AHUs), refrigerant circuits, heating systems, and DX coils to ensure consistent temperature and humidity conditions that support candy production quality and food safety
  • Troubleshoot and service air compressors, blowers, cooling motors, check valves, air dryers, and filtration systems to provide reliable compressed air for manufacturing equipment and minimize production downtime
  • Support critical humidity control by maintaining dehumidifiers, motors, desiccant wheels, filters, and K-bars, helping preserve product consistency, prevent moisture-related defects, and maintain ideal processing conditions
  • Monitor and maintain chiller systems, including water, glycol, and refrigerant circuits, to ensure efficient cooling performance and stable operating temperatures throughout the facility
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on steam systems, including generators, pumps, deaerator tanks, hot water holding tanks, economizers, valves, steam traps, limit switches, and piping networks to maximize system reliability and energy efficiency
  • Conduct water quality testing, including hardness and conductivity analysis, to protect equipment from scale buildup, corrosion, and performance loss while supporting safe and efficient plant operations
  • Manage water treatment chemical programs to maintain system integrity, extend equipment life, and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair thermal oxidizer components, including gas valves and burners, to support environmental compliance and efficient emissions control
  • Maintain industrial heating equipment, including boilers, heat exchangers, hot water systems, steam radiators, electric heaters, and storage tanks, ensuring dependable process heat for manufacturing operations
  • Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce energy consumption, and increase system reliability through proactive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Respond quickly to equipment issues and production needs, helping minimize downtime and maintain uninterrupted manufacturing schedules

Skills that will make you successful
  • Proficient in brazing and copper pipe sweating for HVAC, refrigeration, and process piping systems
  • Skilled in soldering techniques for mechanical and plumbing applications
  • Ability to install, modify, and repair HVAC ductwork systems
  • Proficient in pipe bending, routing, and installation for refrigeration, steam, hydronic, and condensate systems
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings
  • Knowledge of air circulation balancing and airflow optimization for HVAC systems
  • Strong understanding of ventilation systems maintenance and performance optimization
  • Working knowledge of hydronic heating and cooling systems, including pumps, valves, and piping networks
  • Skilled in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of condensate drainage systems
  • Proficient in cleaning and maintaining evaporator, condenser, and process cooling coils to maximize system efficiency and airflow
  • Strong leak detection and repair skills for refrigerant, water, steam, and compressed air systems
  • Basic maintenance knowledge of air compressors, including oil changes, coil cleaning, and routine inspections
  • Ability to perform emergency repairs and temporary corrective actions to keep critical equipment operational while minimizing production disruptions
  • Strong judgment in prioritizing equipment repairs based on production impact, safety, and operational requirements
  • Ability to document mechanical issues clearly, including photographing equipment conditions and communicating repair recommendations effectively
  • Strong understanding of preventive maintenance practices that promote proper airflow, system efficiency, and equipment longevity
  • Knowledge of EPA refrigerant handling requirements and commitment to preventing refrigerant releases through responsible maintenance and repair practices
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Experiences that will support your success
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of 1 year experience with chillers and HVAC systems required
  • Experience with SAP or similar, Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding heat pumps and related HVAC equipment
  • Experience troubleshooting and maintaining boiler room equipment and associated controls
  • Experience performing welding repairs and fabrication work on industrial equipment and piping systems
  • Experience repairing and maintaining steam traps, filters, strainers, and steam distribution components
  • Experience detecting and addressing refrigerant and oil leaks to maintain equipment reliability and regulatory compliance

What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR
Compensation
The salary for this role is $38.00 per hour plus $1.00 per hour shift differential.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago

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