Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

You will lead and deliver complex product development projects, applying strong scientific and technical expertise while partnering closely with global and regional stakeholders.This role requires solid experience in ingredient functionality, formulation, processing, and commercialization. You will contribute to shaping innovation pipelines by translating consumer, customer, and technical insights into feasible and viable product solutions. As a senior individual contributor, you will serve as a trusted technical partner, support capability building within R&D, and represent the voice of Product Development in cross-functional forums. What you’ll be doing. 1.

Front-End Innovation & Platform DevelopmentContribute to the identification and development of innovation opportunities grounded in consumer, culinary, and technology insights, in partnership with Sensory UX, Insights, Commercial, and Marketing.Support the development and evolution of product platforms that can scale across regions and customers.Translate insights and concepts into technically sound product designs with clear development and feasibility pathways.Demonstrate a working understanding of market trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape to inform product and project decisions.Where appropriate partner with Global Innovation Platform team to align and translate global innovation opportunities into regional pipeline initiatives. 2. Technical & Scientific LeadershipLead technical execution of product development projects from formulation through commercialization.Apply strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, formulation principles, and processing to solve development challenges.Design and execute development and validation work, including DOE, pilot trials, scale-up activities, and commercialization readiness.Partner with internal teams (ATI, Engineering, Quality, Procurement) and external suppliers to deliver products that meet key performance, cost, and quality targets.Serve as a technical contributor or subject matter expert in assigned technology or product areas.Maintain high standards of project documentation, including technical plans, risk assessments, trial summaries, and feasibility reviews.Stay current with advancements in food science and ingredient technology through journals, supplier engagement, and professional networks. 3. Project & Portfolio ExecutionServe as the Product Development technical lead on innovation projects, representing R&D and other Technical functions across cross-functional teams.Own technical deliverables, timelines, and risk mitigation plans within assigned projects.Proactively identify technical risks and work with the team to develop practical mitigation strategies.Ensure alignment between technical execution, project objectives, and business priorities. 4.

Collaboration, Influence & Capability BuildingCommunicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to cross-functional and regional stakeholders.Support and mentor junior scientists and team members through knowledge sharing and on-the-job coaching.Collaborate with Culinary and customers to co-create and adapt recipes to meet menu needs and “back-of-house” requirements.Lead raw material sourcing, evaluation, improvement, and approval activities in partnership with Procurement.Support Commercial and Marketing with technical input for customer presentations and innovation discussions.Provide technical support to Manufacturing, Q&FS, Engineering, and Technical Operations to resolve product or process issues.Share learnings on trends, ingredients, and new product introductions with the broader Product Development team. What you’ll need to be successful. Education and ExperienceBS or MS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in product development, preferably within food, CPG, or manufacturing environments. General CompetenciesProven ability to independently lead and deliver multiple product development projects.Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.Effective collaborator across regions, functions, and cultures.Demonstrates learning agility and openness to new tools, methods, and insights.Applies commercial understanding to balance consumer desirability, technical feasibility, and business needs.Comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving project scope.Well-organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.Positive, self-motivated, and solution-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation. R&D Technical CompetenciesStrong capability in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific rigor.Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, food safety, and the product development lifecycle.Knowledge of food laws related to product labeling and nutritional requirements.Demonstrates solid technical expertise in formulation, ingredients, and processing; applies data-driven approaches and DOE to optimize development decisions.Anticipates and addresses scale-up considerations in partnership with manufacturing and engineering teams.Contributes to continuous improvement in development practices and technical standards. About McCain.Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters. Leadership principles.At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results. The McCain experience.We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value.

Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Join us and experience why we’re better together. Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. We’re big believers in the power of working together in person—it helps us stay connected, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a team. At the same time, we recognize the importance of flexibility.

Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details. Compensation Package: $85,500.00 - $114,000.00 . USD annually + Bonus eligibility The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting.

Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.