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Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

PLS

Senior Product Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Product Development Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and launching new product opportunities that drive strategic growth for the organization. As a member of ...

New

PLS

Senior Product Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Product Development Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and launching new product opportunities that drive strategic growth for the organization. As a member of ...

Humetis Group

Product Development Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Glanbia

R&D Lab Support Technician

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$23/hr

... management, equipment readiness and maintenance, sanitation, safety compliance, pilot and bench ... This person will be involved in tasting a variety of product types and subsequently exposed to them.

Glanbia

R&D Lab Support Technician

Downers Grove, IL

$23/hr

... management, equipment readiness and maintenance, sanitation, safety compliance, pilot and bench ... This person will be involved in tasting a variety of product types and subsequently exposed to them.

ITW

New Product Development Engineering Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$111K - $139K/yr

Why This Role Matters The New Product Development Engineering Manager at ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW, plays a critical role in shaping the future of some of the construction industry ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProduct Development Lab JobsProduct Development Lab Manager JobsProduct Development Lab Manager Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

Product Development Lab Manager information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$42.3K

$126.5K

$143.9K

How much do product development lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development lab manager in Elmhurst, IL is $126,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $142,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a product development lab manager?

To thrive as a Product Development Lab Manager, you need a solid background in product development processes, laboratory management, and a relevant scientific or engineering degree. Familiarity with lab management software, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance certifications such as ISO standards is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive innovation and ensure effective coordination among cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficient lab operations, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-quality products on time.

What does a product development lab manager do?

A Product Development Lab Manager oversees the operations of a laboratory where new products are created, tested, and refined. They manage lab staff, ensure equipment is maintained, and ensure that research and development activities comply with safety and quality standards. Their role often involves coordinating between research teams, production, and quality assurance to bring new products from concept to market. They also play a key role in budgeting, resource allocation, and maintaining documentation for regulatory compliance.

How does a product development lab manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

As a Product Development Lab Manager, you will regularly collaborate with teams such as R&D, engineering, marketing, and quality assurance. This involves coordinating product testing, ensuring adherence to timelines, and communicating technical results to non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration is crucial for aligning product specifications, resolving challenges quickly, and ensuring that the final product meets both technical and market requirements. Strong communication and project management skills are key for success in this role.

What is the difference between Product Development Lab Manager vs Product Development Scientist?

AspectProduct Development Lab ManagerProduct Development Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; management experienceDegree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, overseeing teams, managing projectsLaboratories, conducting experiments, developing products
Employer & IndustryConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, biotech companiesResearch institutions, R&D departments in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in product developmentResearching scientific roles in product creation

The Product Development Lab Manager focuses on overseeing laboratory operations, managing teams, and ensuring project timelines, while the Product Development Scientist is primarily involved in conducting experiments and developing new products. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials and work within similar industry environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL? For Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL are:
What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Product Development Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Product Development Lab Manager job openings:
Product Development Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Lab Manager job openings in Elmhurst, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,477 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Product Development Technologist

fairlife

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.
With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.
A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.
To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.
job purpose: The Product Development Technologist supports the development, optimization, and commercialization of dairy products through hands-on laboratory and pilot plant activities as a member of the Product Development team. Working collaboratively in R&D, as well as with cross-functional partners, this role contributes to new product development, product maintenance, product improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple product lines. Responsibilities include formulation development, ingredient evaluation, analytical and functional testing, scale-up activities, technical documentation, and data analysis to support successful product launches. The Product Development Technologist ensures laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
responsibilities:
  • Develops and prepares product prototypes using laboratory and pilot plant equipment to support research and development activities
  • Selects and applies appropriate methodologies for project execution and contributes to the design and implementation of experimental plans
  • Assists with pilot plant trials, scale-up activities, and production validations to support commercialization and successful product launches.
  • Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory and pilot plant equipment to ensure accurate and efficient testing
  • Participates in product benchmarking and sensory evaluations to assess product quality, performance, and competitive positioning.
  • Conducts analytical and functional testing of ingredients including raw and processed dairy, utilizing laboratory instrumentation; Analyzes, and interprets experimental data to support project recommendations and decision-making.
  • Maintains accurate laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical documentation in accordance with company procedures.
  • Prepares summaries, reports, and presentations to communicate project findings and recommendations.
  • Coordinates with suppliers and internal stakeholders, including other company locations, to procure materials and support project needs
  • Receives and organizes incoming deliveries in support of laboratory operations
  • Sources ingredients and manages laboratory inventory to ensure availability of materials for ongoing projects
  • Maintains a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with company and regulatory standards

skills/qualifications required:
  • Bachelor's degree in food science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biology or related discipline required
  • 0-2 years' experience in the food industry (Dairy applications is a plus)
  • Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
  • Ability to work autonomously and adapt to changes in schedule
  • Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions and physical requirements:
  • 8+ hours sitting/standing/walking
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Reaching/bending required
  • Exposure to hazards (steam, flammable chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, etc.)
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a lab and pilot plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate, but can be high. PPE is required in certain situations and will be provided.
  • Be flexible with hours and scheduling, ability to work all shifts including extended hours as needed (up to 12 hours due to certain trial work)

how fairlife nourishes you:
At fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
  • Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
  • Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
  • Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
  • Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
  • 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
  • Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
  • Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
  • Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
  • Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
  • Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.
position location: Chicago, IL
reports to: Manager, Product Development
travel requirements: 10%
exempt/nonexempt: Exempt
*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.
Base pay range:
$65,000-$80,000 USD
fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.
For Recruitment AgenciesAt fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team.
As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list.
Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.

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