Product Development Technologist, Applications
About The Position
The Technologist is an entry-level product developer who supports the team and completes assigned applications work. Under the guidance of senior Product Development staff, the role assists others and independently handles assigned work. The Technologist also executes projects and may serve as technical lead under the supervision of other technical roles. Day-to-day work can include Pilot Plant batching, analytical testing, sample preparation and shipment, and benchtop development. The position develops low-complexity, low-risk applications projects, delivers formulations to tight timelines aligned with company KPIs, and may provide technical support for trial runs. The role follows Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and established SOPs, and contributes to SOP revision, optimization, and creation, as well as training and onboarding. Imbibe is a food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois, specializing in beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. The position involves work in office, laboratory, and Pilot Plant settings, with occasional travel to manufacturing plants.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or a related field.
- Detail-oriented work style and team-centric mindset.
- Comfort with a brisk working pace and changing priorities.
- Skill with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and Word.
- Ability to travel to manufacturing plants; travel is 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/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 shelf life for assigned projects and pull product samples at regular intervals for analytical testing.
- Maintain, clean, and organize work areas, including communal workspaces.
- Perform other duties within established SOPs and participate with R&D stakeholders in SOP revision, optimization, and creation.
- Participate in training and onboarding initiatives.
- Execute low-complexity, low-risk applications projects under supervision of other technical roles.
- Deliver applications formulations on tight timelines in alignment with company KPIs.
- Follow GMP and GLP guidelines.
- May provide technical support for low-complexity, low-risk trial runs.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution and match.
- FSA and HSA accounts.
- Company holidays, PTO, and sick time.
- Onsite gym and wellness opportunities.
- Paid parental leave.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Learning and professional development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
