Assists with the design, plan, validation of new products, line extensions, product improvements that meet product offering requirements. Maintains R&D laboratory and equipment for specified location. Support development activities from kitchen prototyping to production trial. Engages with internal and external customers to manage samples and coordinate product reviews.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Research and Development

Job Posting Title:

Innovation Food Technician

Job Description:

​Schedule: 8 am to 5 pm CDT / Hybrid (on-site Tue to Thurs)​

Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523 ​

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.​

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $21.16 - $36.05 Per Hour with additional bonus potential​

Position Responsibilities:

Under limited supervision, execute assigned innovation and product development activities in order of priority

Conducts varied and routine tests in test kitchen, laboratory, pilot plant and production following recognized procedures

Evaluate and record results of testing including product attributes, formulations and processing parameters; maintain results in an organized manner

Communicate results and provide data insight to supervisor and suppliers as directed

Stays current on industry trends, topics and events related to the role and Food Industry

Support bench-top and pilot plant testing, plant trials and product start-ups in collaboration with scientists and pilot/plant operations staff; includes the coordination of product and ingredient shipments

Support product developers by entering data into assigned systems and managing updates

Conduct ingredient and product reviews as needed

Work independently to develop customer R&D samples and ship to customers as requested

Support Customer visits and Innovation demos as needed

Maintain appropriate inventories of commonly used ingredients and laboratory supplies

Responsible for up keep of laboratory equipment, mayincludes some cleaning and small equipment maintenance activities.

Complete project objectives within established timeframe

Maintain accurate and complete records

Maintain an organized work area, following GMPs

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list of all tasks. Additional tasks and duties may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by business needs.

Qualifications, Requirements & Preferred Attributes:

Five years’ experience in Research and Development, Food Safety & Quality or the Food Service industry

Communicate effectively and openly while working with a cross-functional team

Must be a self-starter, independent, energetic and resourceful

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Experience utilizing ERP systems and nutritional software

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.