Product Development Technologist, Applications

Imbibe•Niles, IL

About The Position

The Technologist is an entry-level product developer with additional team-supporting responsibilities. The role works both collaboratively, assisting others under the guidance and direction of senior Product Development staff, and independently on assigned applications work. The Technologist executes project development and may serve as the technical lead under the supervision of other technical roles. Day-to-day tasks may include Pilot Plant batching, analytical testing, sample preparation and shipment, and benchtop development. The role involves executing low-complexity, low-risk applications projects, delivering formulations on tight timelines aligned with company KPIs, and potentially providing technical support for low-complexity, low-risk trial runs. Work is conducted in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines and established SOPs. Most desk work and paperwork takes place in a typical office setting using standard office equipment. Hands-on development takes place in a food and beverage laboratory and pilot plant using standard laboratory equipment. The position may involve prolonged standing, occasionally moving or transporting ingredient containers weighing up to 50 lbs., and exposure to product tastings that may include allergens. Occasional travel to manufacturing plants may involve confined spaces, loud noises, excessive heat or cold, and wet or slippery conditions. Travel is less than 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or a related field.
Detail-oriented work style and team-centric mindset.
Comfort working at a brisk pace in an environment with changing priorities.
Skilled in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and Word.
Ability to travel to manufacturing plants, less than 10%.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a food or beverage manufacturing facility and/or laboratory setting.
Technical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Batch, package, and ship product samples for client evaluation, third-party laboratory testing, or consumer testing.
Batch and prepare formulas for Pilot Plant processing and develop general awareness of relevant processing equipment.
Conduct analytical testing on raw and finished product samples, including pH, titratable acidity, total solids or moisture, particle size, Brix, density, viscosity, and color.
Maintain detailed records of batched formulas, analytical testing data, and shelf-life data; collaborate with Product Development, Engineering, and Sensory teams to produce formal reports when needed.
Monitor project shelf life and pull samples at regular intervals for analytical testing.
Maintain, clean, and organize work areas, including communal workspaces.
Execute other duties as assigned within established SOPs and participate in SOP revision, optimization, and creation with other R&D stakeholders.
Participate in training and onboarding initiatives.
Execute low-complexity, low-risk applications projects under the supervision of other technical roles.
Deliver applications formulations on tight timelines in alignment with company KPIs.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines.
May provide technical support for low-complexity, low-risk trial runs.