Food NPD Specialist

Urbana, IL 61802

Employment Type: Contract Job Category: Other Professional Job Number: 45987781 Compensation: $34-41 / hour

Job Description

Job Title: Food Scientist
Location: Urbana Illinois - 100% onsite
Contract Duration: 2 years (with potential to convert to permanent)
 Compensation: Competitive; aligned with experience and qualifications       
Pay Rate: $34-$41/hr
Benefits:  As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
 
 
 
We are seeking a Process Development Scientist T1 to join our growing R&D team in Urbana. This is a newly created role designed to support a product improvement program targeting the North American market. This opportunity combines hands-on pilot plant work with cross-functional collaboration across global teams.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead pilot-scale process development trials with a focus on food safety, GMP, and FDA compliance.
  • Operate and maintain pilot plant equipment, ensuring processes align with food industry best practices.
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, and global R&D teams to ensure equipment and processes are fit for purpose.
  • Plan and coordinate pilot and factory-scale trials for process optimization and product development.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across thermal processing technologies such as sterilization and retort.
  • Maintain detailed documentation and reporting of trial outcomes and process parameters.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 2 years of R&D experience in the food or CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry.

Preferred Experience & Skills
  • Hands-on experience with sterilization, retort technologies, and food safety principles.
  • Familiarity with pilot-level equipment operation and process development.
  • General knowledge of food manufacturing unit operations, including mixing, sterilization, and packaging.
  • Strong ability to work autonomously while also contributing in a collaborative, global team environment.
  • Proven ability to plan and execute both pilot and full-scale trials.
  • Strong documentation and project coordination skills.
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

Meet Your Recruiter

Alicia Alexander

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About Urbana, IL

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore job opportunities in the vibrant community of Urbana, Illinois, where endless growth opportunities await. Known for its blend of academic excellence, arts and culture scene, and breathtaking parks like Meadowbrook Park, this charming city offers the perfect balance of work and play. From savoring local delicacies at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House to catching a show at the historic Virginia Theatre, Urbana boasts a unique charm that sets it apart. Join us in discovering the career possibilities in this dynamic region today!