R&D Product Development Scientist

Job Title: R&D Product Development Scientist

Job Description

This is a research-based technical development role responsible for providing direction for and executing projects across the North America Zone AFH. The candidate will support technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on innovation and renovation. The role requires technical experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. The position demands managing multiple assignments concurrently and completing work with minimal guidance while exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bench top experiments and analytical measurements in the lab.
• Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, shelf-life, and adherence to government and industry standards.
• Support the development and commercialization of new or improved products and review and evaluate ingredients to deliver cost savings across the Condiments and Sauces unit.
• Collaborate with Packaging, Quality, Operations, Project Management, Marketing, and Sales to drive, scope, and implement projects to meet business objectives.
• Perform activities such as feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, supervision of factory trials, development of recipes and factory documentation, recipe and label development, technical approval, shelf-life assessments, and technical support for initial factory production.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–4 years of real-world product development experience.
• Strong benchtop formulation capability.
• Hands-on experience running bench experiments, prototype work, analytical measurements, and related lab techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with semi-structured oversight.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills.
• Full availability to be onsite Monday through Friday.
• Ability to travel 15% to factory locations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Internships or full-time experience in product development.
• Experience with condiments and sauces, soups, and mac & cheese.
• Exposure to foodservice/away from home (AFH) product categories.
• Adaptability and versatility across product types or R&D environments.
• Experience with sensory testing, shelf-life studies, or analytical/nutritional testing.

Work Environment

The role is based onsite at the Glenview location, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM (may vary depending on project needs). The candidate will attend pilot plant trials, which sometimes start before 8 AM, requiring availability on these occasions. This is a 1-year contract position with the possibility of extension in 2027.

This is a Contract position based out of Glenview, IL.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Glenview,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $70