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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

Shift Manager

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist with new employee orientation and training * Comply with all company policies, procedures ... Move and stock food product weighing up to 50 pounds * Perform other job-related duties as assigned ...

Shift Manager

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist with new employee orientation and training * Comply with all company policies, procedures ... Move and stock food product weighing up to 50 pounds * Perform other job-related duties as assigned ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Product Development Assistant information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$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 Springfield, IL is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.96 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 job categories do people searching Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Product Development Assistant job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,393 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Shift Manager

Sonic Drive-In

Taylorville, IL • On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Sonic Drive-In rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 1,627 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Position Summary: This position performs, leads, and supervises basic operational duties to provide quality products and service to guests.
Essential Job Duties:
  • Perform, lead, and supervise station duties (fountain & frozen, dresser, front swamp, back swamp, grill, switchboard, expeditor, food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as assigned to meet operational standards
  • Assist with new employee orientation and training
  • Comply with all company policies, procedures, and operational standards
  • Perform, lead, and supervise regular cleaning and sanitation duties - including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes and food preparation tools, wiping counters, sanitizing food preparation areas, cleaning equipment, and emptying used grease - pursuant to operational standards
  • Regular attendance

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
  • Lead shift meetings
  • Report customer or employee complaints/issues to MOD
  • Move and stock food product weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required

Time/Shift Expectations: Minimum of 30 hours per week; irregular hours; nights; weekends; and holidays
Qualifications and Job Requirements:
  • Knowledge/Skills
  • General restaurant or retail knowledge
  • Basic math and reading skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to follow directions
  • Multi-tasking, decision-making, leadership, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills

Work Environment: Continuous standing, bending, reaching, moving, stooping, stretching, and lifting in a restaurant environment; frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to extreme temperatures based on variable weather conditions

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