Responsibilities
- Assist the development team with various projects including new product creation, product improvement, and evaluation of new ingredients.
- Design and execute product and process development trials from initial briefs through to commercial launch.
- Maintain expert knowledge of equipment functions, operations, and troubleshooting methods used across the company network.
- Work at the Joliet, Illinois facility for 80 to 100 percent of working hours.
- Travel to other company locations within or outside the state as needed with reasonable notice.
- Conduct benchtop and production-scale development trials using laboratory and manufacturing equipment.
- Record, analyze, interpret, and present technical data to guide product and process decisions.
- Create product prototypes and samples for distribution to key project stakeholders.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to learn, perform, plan, and train for new product launches from benchtop through manufacturing and commercialization.
- Research, diagnose, and resolve technical issues during development and production, finding creative solutions promptly.
- Monitor and take action to improve manufacturing yields and reduce product scrap.
- Identify, validate, and develop resources to ensure product quality before, during, and after commercialization.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary laboratory and production environment according to company standards.
- Develop manufacturing documentation in a timely and detailed manner.
- Participate in non-medicated product evaluations and creative brainstorming sessions, providing feedback on appearance, taste, texture, format, and overall consumer experience.
- Work independently or with cross-functional teams to meet product commercialization timelines and schedules.
- Prepare, maintain, monitor, and report on shelf-life studies.
- Conduct product quality testing during development using analytical equipment and methods such as pH, viscosity, moisture analysis, particle size analysis, and water activity testing.
- Research and suggest new ingredient applications to support, improve, and diversify product portfolios.
- Adapt to changing priorities, project needs, and work locations in a fast-paced product development and manufacturing environment.
- Participate in establishing, improving, and adhering to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements for environment, health, and safety regulations; local, state, and federal food safety regulations; GMP and SOPs; GFSI, SQF, BRC, and customer food safety requirements; and other third-party inspections.
Requirements
- One to three years of prior work experience in a laboratory or manufacturing setting supporting R&D or product development.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate documentation, trial records, and technical reports.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
- Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a sense of urgency in exceeding project timelines, performance expectations, and professional development goals.
- Possesses creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to stand for long hours when needed.
- Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds and perform typical cleaning of facilities and equipment.
Nice to Have
- Associate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, biology, food science, or a related scientific or technical field preferred; equivalent experience in laboratory, manufacturing, or product development environments may be considered.
- Experience with cannabis extracts, processing, or food and beverage production and different infusion techniques is a plus.
Work Arrangement
On-site — Joliet, IL
Other
- Work in the Joliet, IL. facility for 80-100% of working hours.
- Ability to travel to other in-state or out-of-state company locations with reasonable notice, as business needs require.
- Ability to stand for long hours when needed.
- Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds, and perform typical cleaning of facilities and equipment.
