Taste Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Receives and collects samples in the LIMS system.
• Performs physical testing on raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, prepackaged items, stability samples and other laboratory samples.

• Performs organoleptic testing, including, but not limited to appearance, taste and odor.
• Records and compares results to specifications and performs secondary reviews.
• Initiates OOS investigations for any samples not meeting specification or any samples that are atypical from historical trend.
• Operates equipment in all of the following pieces of lab equipment, including but not limited to: pH meter, FTIR, NIR, disintegration apparatus, moisture analyzer, automatic tablet tester (hardness, weight, length, thickness), Anton Paar modular unit (density meter, refractometer, polarimeter), automatic titrator (acid value, Karl Fischer), Karl Fischer oven, powder density tester, sonic sifter, friability apparatus, density by pycnometer, water activity meter, melting point apparatus, viscometer, balance, loss on drying oven.
• Accurately enters laboratory test results into worksheets, Excel spreadsheets, LIMS and Access database.
• Requests samples through Smartsheet, as needed.

• Performs metal detector checks and temperature checks as needed.
• Promptly answers phone calls, emails and two-way radio calls and follows up.
• Accurately maintains daily logs and equipment logbooks.
• Cleans, maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment.
• Orders lab supplies as needed.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements. 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance.  Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately. Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent and 0-2 years laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with general laboratory equipment required. 

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

Proven ability to accurately conduct physical and organoleptic testing and inspect raw materials, in-process materials, finished products and other laboratory samples according to set standards and SOP’s. Reads, understands and follows SOPs. Sound knowledge of testing and inspection processes. Demonstrated ability to consistently meet quality, safety and efficiency goals. Good problem-solving skills required. Good time management skills; ability to work well independently; ability to prioritize, calmly handle multiple tasks simultaneously and change tasks frequently in a fast-paced environment.  Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and flexibility to change tasks frequently.  Strong teamwork skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with others; strong attention to detail skills; and demonstrated high quality of work. Demonstrates and promotes company core values. Consistently follows all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies and procedures. Ability to work at both the 391 and 395 manufacturing facilities in Bloomingdale.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, batch records and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine e-mails to communicate within QC and with operations personnel.  Ability to collect data for investigations for root cause analysis and troubleshooting processing issues. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.  Ability to accurately complete paperwork, including completing logbooks.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations. 

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to compare results to specifications to determine if result meets requirements.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions.  Good problem-solving skills. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work on the Production floor as a MQ Inspector based on business needs.  
• Basic computer skills required in Word and Excel.   
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends to support the business.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently regularly required to talk and hear; stand and/or walk throughout the facility; ascend and/or descend stairs; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to enter information into a computer, handle product in various stages and forms (i.e. raw materials, in-process, and finished products in liquid, powdered, capsule, softgel and tablet forms), and handle testing equipment, raw materials and finished product, tools and/or controls.  The employee frequently is required to use his/her sense of taste, sight and smell.   The employee is occasionally required to reach, balance, or stoop. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision. 

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

• Lift 15 lbs. from ground level and place at 61 high inch level; return to original position.
• Push up to 30 lb. force for up to 25 feet and then pull to original position.
• Carry 20 lbs. for 3 feet at waist level; lift bag/box onto side and return to original position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT                                                      

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to herbal aromas, dust, and/or airborne particles, some classified as allergens or irritants. 

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.

The employee may occasionally be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals such as acids, bases and solvents.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.

2025 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE