1

Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Burr Ridge, IL

Food R&D Technician

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Food R&D Technician / Culinary Assistant Location: Burr Ridge, IL Pay: $21.00-$23.00/hour Schedule ... product. * Assist the R&D team in developing and evaluating new seasoning blends and flavor ...

New

Food product developmentor culinaryindustry experience * Strong knowledge of food science ... Collaborates with R&D sub functions and cross functional team members to provide product expertise ...

New

The Product Development Technologist ensures laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements. responsibilities: * Develops and prepares ...

The Product Development Technologist ensures laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements. responsibilities: * Develops and prepares ...

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world's leading foodservice and ... This position will assist in developing and building leadership talent and capability within R&D.

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world's leading foodservice and ... This position will assist in developing and building leadership talent and capability within R&D.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Product Development Assistant information

See Burr Ridge, IL salary details

$14

$24

$41

How much do food product development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food product development assistant in Burr Ridge, IL is $24.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food product development assistant do?

A Food Product Development Assistant supports the creation and improvement of food products by assisting with formulation, testing recipes, conducting sensory evaluations, and collecting data on product performance. They often work closely with food scientists and technologists to help bring new products from concept to market. Their responsibilities may also include sourcing ingredients, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring products comply with safety and quality standards. This role is essential for innovation in the food industry and requires attention to detail, creativity, and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food product development assistant?

To thrive as a Food Product Development Assistant, you need a background in food science or a related field, along with knowledge of food safety standards and basic laboratory techniques. Familiarity with product formulation software, sensory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure the successful development of innovative, safe, and market-ready food products.

What are some common challenges faced by food product development assistants when working on new product formulations?

Food Product Development Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, texture, and nutritional requirements while adhering to cost constraints and regulatory guidelines. They must also manage tight project timelines, coordinate with cross-functional teams like marketing and quality assurance, and adapt formulations to accommodate ingredient availability or supply chain disruptions. Staying organized and open to feedback is crucial for successfully navigating these complexities and ensuring the final product meets both company standards and consumer expectations.

What is the difference between Food Product Development Assistant vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectFood Product Development AssistantFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsTypically an associate degree or related certificationOften requires a degree in food science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, product testing facilitiesQuality control labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageInvolved in creating and improving productsEnsures products meet safety and quality standards

The Food Product Development Assistant focuses on developing new food products and improving existing ones, working closely with R&D teams. In contrast, the Food Quality Assurance Technician concentrates on testing and maintaining product safety and quality during production. Both roles require related certifications and often work within the same industry environments, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities near Burr Ridge, IL are hiring for Food Product Development Assistant jobs?

Cities near Burr Ridge, IL with the most Food Product Development Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Product Development Assistant job openings in Burr Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,165 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Product Development Scientist

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Product Development Scientist
Location: Chicago, IL 60642
Duration: 12 Months (with potential for extension)
 


Position Summary:

We are seeking a Product Development Scientist to join our team in Chicago, IL. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering high-quality, consumer-focused food products by applying strong scientific principles to product, process, and packaging development. You will contribute to innovation initiatives, ensure consumer safety, and drive operational efficiency. This role may also involve providing technical guidance or leadership to junior team members.


Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and support product development projects from concept through commercialization, aligning with consumer, shopper, and customer insights.

  • Translate insights into Key Quality Attributes (KQAs) and ensure they are maintained across all stages of product and process development.

  • Serve as a technical steward of brand standards, contributing to product innovation, renovation, and change management initiatives.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams to support end-to-end development.

  • Apply scientific and engineering principles to improve or develop products, formulations, processes, and systems.

  • Analyze quality and safety testing data to ensure compliance with internal specifications and regulatory standards.

  • Support the preparation of business cases, timelines, and budget forecasts for product development initiatives.

  • Monitor project outcomes to ensure technical, cost, timing, and functional targets are met.

  • May assist with or manage the regulatory approval process for new or reformulated products.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field required; Food Science or Food Technology preferred.

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a food or consumer packaged goods (CPG) company.

  • Strong understanding of product development, formulation, and quality standards.

  • Experience in translating consumer insights into actionable product design and development strategies.

  • Familiarity with regulatory and food safety compliance.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.