R&D - Process Development Specialist

Humetis Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title: R&D Process Development Specialist
Location: Chicago, IL 60642
Duration: 12 Months (Possible Extension)

Position Summary

We are seeking a Process Development Specialist to join our R&D team, focused on delivering innovative, consumer-relevant food products through robust scientific principles and process engineering. This role supports end-to-end product development - from ideation to industrialization - with an emphasis on quality, safety, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
  • Drive innovation by developing new products and improving core offerings through consumer, shopper, and customer insights

  • Translate insights into Key Quality Attributes (KQAs) and ensure they are defined and maintained throughout development and change management

  • Act as a technical steward of brand knowledge and ensure consistency across process, ingredient, or packaging changes

  • Execute pilot and factory-scale trials, overseeing the development of new processes and optimization of existing systems

  • Ensure all research, testing, and process development adheres to scientific and regulatory standards

  • Analyze safety and quality testing outcomes to ensure compliance with internal and external standards

  • Support business case development through technical input on product functionality, cost targets, and development timelines

  • May be involved in coordinating regulatory approval processes related to new product development

Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, Food Technology, or Chemical Engineering (Food Engineering/Technology preferred)

  • Experience: Minimum 2 years in R&D within the Food or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry

  • Strong understanding of sterilization, retort technologies, and food safety principles

  • Hands-on experience with pilot-level process development and equipment operation

  • Familiarity with core food processing unit operations such as mixing, sterilization, and packaging

  • Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute pilot and factory-scale trials



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Process Development Technician?

A: To succeed as a Process Development Technician, key technical skills include proficiency in laboratory equipment operation, data analysis software, and process control systems, as well as knowledge of chemical engineering principles and quality control methodologies. Soft skills such as strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking abilities are also crucial, enabling the technician to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex process issues. By combining these technical and soft skills, a Process Development Technician can drive process improvements, ensure product quality, and contribute to the development of new processes, ultimately supporting career growth and effectiveness in the role.

Q: What is the career path for a Process Development Technician?

A: A Process Development Technician typically starts as an entry-level technician, assisting in laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize processes. As they gain experience, they progress to mid-level roles such as Process Development Associate or Senior Technician, where they lead small-scale development projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Ultimately, senior roles like Process Development Engineer or Technical Lead may be achieved, where they oversee large-scale process development, mentor junior staff, and contribute to process commercialization and scale-up.



Humetis Group job posting for a R&D - Process Development Specialist in Chicago, IL with a salary of $25 to $30 Hourly with a map of Chicago location.