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Food Product Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Imbibe

Scientist, Product Development

Niles, IL · On-site

This individual has a developing knowledge of the food and beverage industry, holistically, and is ... Preferred Qualifications5+ years of progressive experience in beverage product development, ideally ...

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 ...

Cresco Labs

Product Development Technician

Joliet, IL · On-site

GFSI, SQF, BRC and/or customer food safety requirements and other third-party inspections REQUIRED ... Product Development * Associate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology, Food ...

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All JobsFood Product Development JobsFood Product Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Product Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$130.9K

$149K

How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in Chicago, IL is $130,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,000.00 and $147,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food product development?

A Food Product Development job involves creating new food products or improving existing ones by experimenting with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques. Professionals in this field work closely with food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure products meet consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and cost requirements. They conduct research, test recipes, and oversee production trials to bring safe, high-quality, and marketable food items to store shelves.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food product development?

Food Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, nutrition, cost, and shelf-life while adhering to strict food safety and regulatory standards. They may need to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and troubleshoot issues that arise during product testing or manufacturing scale-up. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is key to overcoming these obstacles and launching successful products. This dynamic environment requires flexibility and a continual willingness to learn and innovate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food product development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Product Development, you need expertise in food science, sensory evaluation, and recipe formulation, typically backed by a degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations, and product lifecycle management software is often required. Strong project management, creativity, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These abilities are essential because they ensure products are innovative, safe, and compliant while meeting consumer demands and business objectives.

How to get into food product development?

To enter food product development, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in food manufacturing or research helps develop relevant skills such as product formulation, sensory evaluation, and knowledge of food safety standards. Proficiency with product development tools and strong teamwork are also valuable for success in this field.

What do you do as a food product developer?

A food product developer designs, tests, and refines new food products to meet consumer preferences and safety standards. They conduct research, create prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams using tools like sensory analysis and food science techniques to bring products from concept to market.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Food Product Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,919 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Product Development Food Scientist

Mizkan

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Mizkan America
Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.
Are you passionate about food science innovation and eager to influence the growth of Mizkan America? Join the Mizkan America Research & Development as an R&D Scientist! We're looking for a talented individual to lead product development initiatives within our Meal Solutions portfolio of great brands such as Ragu and Bertolli.
As a member of the Research & Development (R&D) team, the Product Development Food Scientist leads product development from concept through commercialization, driving projects across innovation, renovation, and maintenance that enable growth, uphold quality objectives, and support business continuity for Mizkan America. This role manages multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously and completes work with minimal supervision. Success requires a proven track record of executing work plans and delivering results, along with a collaborative mindset, creative problem-solving, and the flexibility to pivot when priorities shift.
What You'll Do:
  • Design and develop new product formulations, lead portfolio renovation, and address customer product needs across sauces and meal solutions.
  • Execute the full development cycle, including feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, benchtop and pilot plant trials, supervision of plant trials, recipe and plant documentation, label development, technical approval, shelf-life assessment, and technical support for initial plant production.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to commercial timelines.
  • Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development, evaluate technical problems, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.
  • This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role.

What You Bring - Skills/Competencies:
  • Solid grounding in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, formulation science, and food processing technology.
  • Proficiency in benchtop and pilot-scale prototyping, costing, shelf-life evaluation, and commercialization experience
  • Working knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and analytical/sensory testing methods.
  • Working knowledge of analytical testing methods and equipment
  • Familiarity with food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements.
  • Strong written and verbal communication with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
  • Effective project management, organization, and prioritization across concurrent assignments.
  • Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving.
  • Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable pivoting as business needs change.
  • Product lifecycle management (PLM) and formulation/specification systems.
  • Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis, documentation, and presentations.

Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:
  • BS/MS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering,
  • Minimum 3 years of experience required in a technical function, or food related role.
  • Solid understanding of food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing.
  • Product development and commercialization experience.
  • Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process.
  • Strong communication skills, organizational, problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong understanding of Design of Experiments.
  • Willingness and flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines.
  • Ability to exhibit a professional businesslike appearance and demeanor.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while working on a computer.
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents and office equipment.
  • Visual acuity to review detailed reports, specifications, compliance documentation, and sustainability data on screens and in print.
  • Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and during virtual meetings.
  • Ability to move throughout office, laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, hair restraints, and steel-toed footwear as required.
  • Regular, predictable, in-person attendance on the business days the Company requires in-person attendance at the lab facility or corporate office as work requires. (In-person attendance is optional on the other workdays unless work timelines require in person attendance.) For non-required-in-person attendance days, employees are expected to be present and engaged during the designated work hours for this role.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 - 50 pounds during product testing, pilot plant activities, and manufacturing trials.
  • Approximately 30% travel, including regular visits to the corporate headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, manufacturing facilities, and external partners as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:
  • The annual salary range is $84,900 - $100,000
    • Note: Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
  • This role is eligible for a Short-Term Incentive Bonus
  • A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.

Mizkan America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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