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Entry Level Food Research Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Winlandfoods

Product Development Intern

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

$27.50/hr

As an Intern/Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Food science principles to meet project objectives.Our team has deep technical expertise across ...

LabPersonnel

Be Seen First

QC Manager for CPG Food Company

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Work with plant & R&D personnel to ensure product consistency. Monitor trends and emerging issues within the quality & food safety business environments Serve in crisis management role for quality ...

Astrix Inc

R&D Lab Technician

Countryside, IL · On-site

$43/hr

... entry-level R&D Laboratory Technician to support daily operations within a fast-paced research and development laboratory. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on ...

Ozinga

R&D Technician I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $60K/yr

The R&D Technician I is an entry-level position that involves supporting various concrete and mortar research projects in a laboratory environment. Responsibilities include sourcing materials ...

Linde

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

In the role of R&D Intern, you will be partof a team involved with research, planning, designing ... Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic Air Separation * Hydrogen and ...

Linde Group

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

In the role of R&D Intern, you will be partof a team involved with research, planning, designing ... Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic Air Separation * Hydrogen and ...

Linde Plc

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

R&D Intern- Summer 2027 Linde Inc. Tonawanda, NY or Burr Ridge, IL, United States | req32161 In the ... Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic Air Separation * Hydrogen and ...

Linde

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 Tonawanda, NY or Burr Ridge, IL, United States req32161 What you will ... Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic Air Separation * Hydrogen and ...

Linde

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 Tonawanda, NY or Burr Ridge, IL, United States | req32161 What you will ... Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic Air Separation * Hydrogen and ...

Linde Corporate

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 Tonawanda, NY or Burr Ridge, IL, United States | req32161 What you will ... Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic Air Separation * Hydrogen and ...

Carbery Group

R&D Compounder I

Wauconda, IL · On-site

$19/hr

With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste ... How You Will Contribute R&D Compounder I Synergy Flavors, Inc. is a leading international supplier ...

Carbery Group

R&D Compounder I

Wauconda, IL · On-site

$19/hr

With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste ... How You Will Contribute R&D Compounder I Synergy Flavors, Inc. is a leading international supplier ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFood Research Development JobsEntry Level Food Research Development JobsEntry Level Food Research Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Food Research Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do entry level food research development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food research development in Chicago, IL is $26.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food research development professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Research Development professional, you generally need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Curiosity, attention to detail, and effective team communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, innovative product development and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams in a regulated industry.

What is an entry level food research development job?

Entry level food research development jobs involve assisting in the creation and improvement of food products. People in these roles typically work in laboratories or test kitchens, supporting senior scientists with tasks like conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing ingredients. They help develop new recipes, enhance food safety, and improve the taste, texture, or nutritional value of foods. These positions often require a background in food science or a related field and offer opportunities to learn hands-on research and product development skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Research Development vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Food Research DevelopmentFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, R&D departments, product innovation teamsFood manufacturing, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require a background in food science and involve working within the food industry, Entry Level Food Research Development focuses on creating and testing new products in labs, whereas Food Quality Assurance Technicians primarily ensure existing products meet quality and safety standards on production lines.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level food research development professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in Food Research and Development often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced project timelines, balancing creativity with strict food safety regulations, and learning to work effectively within cross-functional teams. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and proactively communicate any uncertainties. Embracing continuous learning, especially about new ingredients and technologies, also helps in building confidence and contributing more effectively to innovative product development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Research Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 56% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,826 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Product Development Intern

Winlandfoods

Oak Brook, IL • Hybrid

$27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Winland Foods, Inc., based in Oak Brook, IL, is a global manufacturer of private label and branded foods for retail and co-pack customers. We use only the finest ingredients and ensure every product we make meets the highest standards of taste, quality and accessibility. Across all our food categories, we offer customers a range of premium and value solutions to meet the evolving needs of the consumers. We work closely with our customers to offer consumer-loved brands and custom private label products, and also create new innovative products. We specialize in pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients, and more. We are proud to share we have manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Italy.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Administration

Job Posting Title:

Product Development Intern

Job Description:

Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are in office
Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Salary: $27.50 per hour, with an additional one-time lump sum payment to support expenses
Duration: May to August 2027 - Summer Internship

Job Summary:

As an Intern/Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Food science principles to meet project objectives.Our team has deep technical expertise across a variety of packaging formats.You can expect a combination of:

  • Stimulating projects

  • Exposure to industry experts

  • On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals

  • Continuous development opportunities, and much more

As an intern/coop, you will work independently and as part of various teams, working toward goals on project assignments with guidance provided as needed with the intent of offering opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the intern/coop for a career as a Packaging Engineer after graduation.

Examples of Projects:

  • New product development; concept/prototype work.

  • Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality improvements, material substitutions.

  • Product renovation which involves modifying existing product attributes to address operational issues or customer needs.

  • Ingredient exploration in testing out new options that could improve product performance or improved functionality.

In addition to hands-on experience in Finance, this position will provide the intern with:

  • Skills in project leadership, project management, time management and organizational skills

  • Understanding the function of ingredients within a formula

  • Exposure to manufacturing equipment in understanding the impact of process conditions and controls.

  • Presentation skills as you present your findings to the cross functional team and R&D Leadership Team

  • Experience in team collaboration as you work with a cross-functional team on delivering project objectives. This includes building skills in assessing how each role impacts the commercialization of a product and influencing and negotiating to align the team.

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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