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