So sorry, this position is no longer available. Please go ahead and submit your application. We may have other positions that would be the perfect fit for you. Alternatively, you may want to apply to one of the following related jobs:

R&D Specialist

Addison, IL 60101

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Technician Job Number: 52257637 Compensation: $50000-100000 / year

Job Description

Title: R&D Specialist (Food) 
Location: Addison, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $65k - $80k

Job Summary
The R&D Specialist supports the development, testing, and commercialization of fully cooked meat products. This role plays a key part in product formulation, trial execution, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure products meet quality, safety, and performance standards. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience in food manufacturing, meat processing, and recipe development for scalable production environments.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing new fully cooked meat products from concept through commercialization.
  • Prepare and conduct product trials including batching, cooking, packaging, and evaluating trial outcomes.
  • Perform sensory and quality evaluations to ensure consistency in taste, texture, and overall product performance.
  • Collaborate with production, quality assurance, marketing, and other cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of formulations, trial procedures, test results, and adjustments.
  • Troubleshoot production or formulation issues and refine products as needed.
  • Conduct shelf-life testing and evaluate product stability over time.
  • Ensure all R&D activities comply with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and internal food safety standards.
  • Stay informed on new industry technologies, ingredients, and trends to support innovation initiatives.
  • Prepare and present product samples to customers, highlighting key features, benefits, and performance attributes.
Skills & Requirements
  • Degree or certification in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or equivalent relevant experience required.
  • 3–5 years of hands-on experience in food processing or food manufacturing; experience with meat or protein products strongly preferred.
  • Experience in food product development, including formulation creation and recipe testing for scalable or commercial production.
  • Strong understanding of food science principles, processing equipment, and ingredient functionality.
  • Ability to accurately document recipes, measurements, processes, and changes for consistency and reproducibility.
  • Strong creativity and innovation skills with the ability to develop new concepts that are feasible for production.
  • Ability to conduct sensory evaluations, including tasting a wide variety of meat products.
  • Familiarity with food safety programs such as HACCP, GMP, and USDA/FDA regulations.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently demonstrate products to customers and internal teams.

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

Herman Davis
Technical Recruiter

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. 

 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. 

Apply Online

Send an email reminder to:

Share This Job:

Related Jobs:

Login to save this search and get notified of similar positions.

About Addison, IL

Discover exciting job opportunities in the vibrant area around Addison, Illinois today! Nestled in DuPage County, just a short drive from Chicago, Addison offers a perfect blend of suburban charm and urban amenities. Known for its diverse community, picturesque parks like Centennial Park, and delicious dining options ranging from classic deep-dish pizza to global cuisine, Addison is a thriving hub for career growth. Explore job listings in this bustling region, and consider joining the local cultural scene at the Water Street Studios or catching a show at the Arcada Theatre. Don't miss out on the potential waiting for you in Addison - start your career journey here!