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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Burr Ridge, IL

fairlife

Product Development Technologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

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

Imbibe

Scientist, Product Development

Niles, IL · On-site

$82K - $100K/yr

This individual has a developing knowledge of the food and beverage industry, holistically, and is ... assist in enforcing policies throughout the organization.This role may require travel to ...

fairlife

Product Development Technologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

fairlife

Product Development Technologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

Winlandfoods

Product Development Intern

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

$27.50/hr

Across all our food categories, we offer customers a range of premium and value solutions to meet ... Product Development Intern Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday ...

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Food Product Development Assistant information

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$14

$24

$41

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

As of Aug 21, 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:

Food Product Development Assistant jobs near you
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.

Research & Development Product Assistant

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


Job Purpose
As a Research & Development Product Assistant for Kraft Heinz, you will support product development and innovation activities by performing hands-on laboratory food preparation, sample handling, testing, and documentation. This role works closely with food scientists and product/packaging developers to ensure accurate execution of test formulas, data collection, and maintenance of a safe, organized lab environment. The technician contributes to the development and refinement of products through consistent application of protocols, quality standards, and operational excellence.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Prepare ingredients, formulas, and product samples per established procedures and specifications

  • Conduct routine laboratory tests, measurements, evaluations, and tastings; accurately record observations and data

  • Responsible for all operational tasks for shelf-life studies, including preparing samples, loading and retrieving samples from shelf-life chambers, analytical testing, and cleaning workspaces

  • Moderate weekly shelf-life showings; take notes and document results

  • Participate in taste evaluations for relevant product categories

  • Organize, label, and manage samples, materials, and test inventory

  • Operate, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment (e.g., scales, ovens, pH meters, viscometers)

  • Ensure day-to-day laboratory operations run efficiently by maintaining cleanliness, organization, inventory level, and timely supply ordering in support of product development activities.

  • Assist with pilot plant preparation and small-scale pilot production runs

  • Package and ship R&D samples as needed

  • Document test results, specifications, and formulation notes in digital systems and/or lab notebooks

  • Collaborate with R&D scientists and cross-functional teams to support product development work

  • Adhere to safety policies, PPE requirements, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • High school diploma required, with prior experience working in a laboratory, pilot plant, food production, or technical environment is preferred.

  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and data entry into lab or inventory systems

  • Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as scales, mixers, ovens, or testing instruments

  • Strong attention to detail, with the ability to accurately follow formulas, SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation requirements

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, including proper sample labeling, data recording, and collaboration with scientists and team members

  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a team in a fast-paced technical environment

Work Environment & Schedule
  • Relocation & Sponsorship: This role is based onsite at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, Illinois. Relocation assistance and work authorization sponsorship are not available for this position.

  • Work hours: Occasional overtime may be required to support project timelines; however, regular overtime is expected to be minimal.

  • Onsite & reliable transportation: This is a full-time onsite position at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Reliable attendance and dependable transportation are required. R&D Assistants work on campus Monday through Friday, following a standard daytime schedule to support daily lab operations, sample preparation, equipment setup/readiness, and collaboration with R&D teams. Occasional flexibility may be needed for pilot plant runs or other project-based activities within standard operational hours.

Compensation & Benefits Overview
  • Hourly Pay: Starting at $24/hour, with final offer based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

  • Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account/Health Savings Account (HSA), Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Supplemental Life Insurance, and so much more!

Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but are not limited to:
  • Work is performed in an R&D Innovation Center laboratory, with occasional pilot plant exposure.

  • Ability to stand and remain upright for extended periods during lab preparation, testing, and cleanup activities.

  • Ability to walk and move frequently between lab benches, storage areas, and equipment stations.

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 lbs (e.g., ingredient containers, lab apparatus, sample boxes).

  • Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as measuring, weighing, labeling, and operating laboratory instruments.

  • Frequent repetitive motion, including handling tools, containers, and data entry.

  • Occasional bending, crouching, or stooping to access low storage, equipment, or sample placement.

  • Occasional reaching below waist and at shoulder height to retrieve ingredients, supplies, or equipment.

  • Must be able to wear and utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.

  • Exposure to varying temperatures, including cold rooms, warm processing areas, or heated equipment during pilot plant support.

  • Work may involve proximity to moving mechanical equipment and cleaning agents used in sanitation processes.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com

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