Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe.

Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for supporting the organization’s product development strategy by managing all phases of product development projects for key customer accounts. Key area of expertise in various food categories, including dairy, cheese, sauce, vegetable and/or meat, to provide ingredient, processing, and related technical knowledge to support innovative solutions to meet customer needs.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Job is an individual contributor.
• Job is an individual contributor and has no direct reports.
• Develop and manage new product development projects through product development and the commercialization process.
• Identify opportunities to drive top line business growth via new and improved technologies, processes, or ingredients.
• Partners with other cross functional departments (Sales, Manufacturing, Culinary, Engineering, Quality, Operation Excellence) to provide technical leadership as a member of Product Development Team.
• Provides technical and scientific expertise to other R&D members, in the hands-on development of new products, quality improvement, ingredient substitution, line extensions and any applied technology.
• Manage and perform product development in bench, pilot and plant operations levels meeting the product development needs of the projects.
• Provide technical guidance and solutions during cross functional team meetings bringing projects to commercialization.
• Pro-actively recommend new concepts or prototypes in line with latest product trends.
• Provide reports to business teams regarding both tactical plans and achievements.
• This role has the responsibility to understand and places in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills:

• 5-10 years of experience in related field is preferred.
• In developing and commercializing of food products. Hands-on experience in sous vide or dry sausage/meat processing is a plus.
• Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to influence business decisions.
• Strong knowledge of ingredient and functionality, product formulas, processing and manufacturing.
• Familiar with in USDA/FDA regulations and standards.
• Experience with new product development processes and protocols.
• Demonstrated creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work successfully independently and under limited supervision.
• Hand on scientist that is able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Proficient in use of both on-line work systems and product development software tools.

Preferred Education:

• BA/BS or equivalent is preferred.
• In Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science or related fields.
• Advanced degree is a plus.

Compensation/Benefits

The base salary for this position ranges from a low of $104,648 to a maximum of $156,972, with offers typically between the low and middle of the range, based on education, skills, experience and internal equity among other factors. The midpoint range for this role is $130,810. This role is also eligible to participate in the company annual discretionary bonus plan based on company and individual performance. As part of a complete total rewards package, OSI also offers comprehensive paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays and other programs), 401k with matching company contributions, a full suite of benefit offerings (medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other voluntary coverages) for you and your family and educational assistance with opportunities for professional development.

Work Environment:

• Work can be performed within a manufacturing plant environment with noise, extreme temperatures, and significant movement of powered equipment, people and conveyor (may depend on the role).
• Work conditions are typical of an R&D Center.
• This role requires 30% domestic travel.
• Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds
• Position may require frequent and/or infrequent of bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring.
• Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours.