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Food Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

McCain Foods Limited

Food Scientist

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sc. in Food Science or related field * Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational skills with an aptitude for creativity, innovation and ability to resolve challenges. * Comfort with ...

SIEMER MILLING COMPANY

Food Scientist

Teutopolis, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Individual must excel in respect, trust and responsibility, striving for continuous improvement, commitment to excellence. * BS in Food Science or related discipline and/or work experience in related ...

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Food Scientist

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sc. in Food Science or related field * Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational skills with an aptitude for creativity,innovationand ability to resolve challenges. * Comfort with ambiguity ...

Griffith Foods

Food Scientist

Alsip, IL · Hybrid

$72K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical/Biological Sciences, or other related field * Minimum of 3 years' experience in Research & Development or 5 years' Quality Systems experience within the ...

Feastables

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Preference for Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field. * Strong knowledge of food product development, commercialization processes, and testing methodologies * Ability ...

Feastables

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Preference for Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field. * Strong knowledge of food product development, commercialization processes, and testing methodologies * Ability ...

J&J Snack Foods

Senior Food Scientist

Rock Island, IL · On-site

Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or related field. * Minimum 5 years' experience as a Food Technologist. * Requires a higher skill level and additional years of experience ...

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

Senior Food Scientist

Elgin, IL · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required; Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred. * Minimum of five years of ...

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

Senior Food Scientist

Elgin, IL · Hybrid

$99K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required; Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred. * Minimum of five years of ...

OFI

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering or a related field is required, Master's degree is preferred. * Eight (8) years of experience in food science required beverage industry ...

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All JobsFood Science JobsFood Science Jobs in Illinois

Food Science information

See Illinois salary details

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$32

How much do food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science in Illinois is $21.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food science?

A Food Science job involves applying biology, chemistry, and engineering principles to develop and improve food products, ensure safety, and enhance nutritional value. Professionals in this field work in research, quality control, product development, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with food manufacturers, government agencies, and research institutions to innovate food processing techniques and maintain industry standards.

What does a food science do?

A Food Science professional's daily tasks can include developing new food products, conducting laboratory tests for quality and safety, analyzing ingredient properties, and ensuring compliance with food regulations. Professionals often collaborate closely with production teams, quality assurance departments, and research & development groups to optimize processes and resolve technical challenges. Regular responsibilities may also involve documenting findings, presenting research, and staying updated on industry trends and food safety standards. This role is dynamic and offers opportunities to contribute to projects that directly impact consumer health and satisfaction.

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

To thrive in Food Science, you need a solid background in chemistry, microbiology, and food processing, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Experience with laboratory equipment, food safety standards (like HACCP), and quality control systems is typically essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring product quality, safety, and innovation in the food industry.

Are food scientists in high demand?

Food scientists are in steady demand due to the need for food safety, product development, and quality assurance in the food industry. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies focus on innovation, nutrition, and regulatory compliance, often requiring skills in laboratory analysis and food technology.

Is a food science degree worth it?

A food science degree prepares individuals for careers in food product development, quality assurance, and safety, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques. It can lead to roles in manufacturing, research, and regulatory agencies, with job prospects influenced by industry demand and certifications such as HACCP. The degree provides practical skills and industry-specific knowledge valuable for employment in the food sector.

What can you do with a food science degree?

A food science degree prepares individuals for careers in food product development, quality assurance, food safety, and research. Graduates can work in manufacturing, regulatory agencies, or research laboratories, often utilizing skills in chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques.

Which job is best in food science?

The best job in food science depends on individual interests and skills, but roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, and product development scientist are highly regarded. These positions often require knowledge of food safety regulations, laboratory skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. They typically offer opportunities for innovation, research, and advancement within the food industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Science jobs in Illinois?

For Food Science jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Science jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Science jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Food Science jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Food Science job openings:

Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,521 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Food Scientist

Stefanini

Glenview, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We help Procurement and Recruiting departments faced with the challenge of filling multiple IT-related openings for either long-term employment, or short-term projects. They need to find reliable candidates, with the right expertise, quickly and at the right cost to enable their company to remain competitive, and to increase profit and efficiency.


Stefanini provides the IT contract resources you need to implement crucial projects, handle short-term assignments, or fulfill long-term placements. Our IT staffing services free you from the challenges of finding, recruiting, training and retaining high-quality professional staff, and allow you to focus on managing your business growth.


We provide the ongoing skill development to ensure that professionals placed at your site are trained in leading technologies to support your information technology hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Augment your staff for short or long-term engagements, or for specialized expertise on specific projects.


We have more than 25 years of staffing industry knowledge and can provide you with superior

candidates to match your technical and professional needs.

Job Description

Performs quality testing, research and development of new and/or existing products. Modification of standard products, regulatory supervision of products and data analysis generally in the food, beverage, flavors, and chemical industries. May develop or modify internal SOPs. Responsible for qualifying multiple flavors/ingredients from several suppliers that impact finished goods in the Cheese & Dairy, Enhancers, or M&D BU within a 12 month timeframe. Job complexity involves heavy collaboration with suppliers to qualify flavors/ingredients in products and synergizing with multiple BUs that share the same flavor. 

Qualifications

Ability to work independently under the direction of senior Scientists/Engineers leveraging strong problem solving skills. 

Conduct bench top and pilot plant product development. 

Updates to supplier specifications and general spec maintenance 

Plan and execute experiments, interpret and report results, and recommend next steps. 

Support processing initiatives at the plant. 

Evaluate and utilize technical information from external and internal sources to support productivity initiatives 

Conduct plant trials to achieve above 

Direct interface w/ Business, Operations and Quality partners on initiatives from defining project goals through commercialization. 

Develop and Execute commercialization plans 

Works well in a team and is able to collaborate with Manager and others in the organization 

experience with Meridian a big plus ,Matrix, Infinity Experience would be great Food Background


Additional Information

Requirements:


A Food Science degree or Masters with 6-10 years' experience.

Product development experience 

Degree in Food Science preferred

BU experience a big plus with Multiple BU's


Apply