R&D Food Technician

Food Technician & Generalist - Entry-Level Role in Food Quality & R&D

📍 Location: Aurora, IL | ⏳ Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
💰 Pay: $19-$21/hr (Potential to earn ~$22/hr once permanent!)
🕒 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM or 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Are you looking to start a career in food quality, manufacturing, or research & development? Do you enjoy hands-on work, following recipes, and ensuring products meet top standards? If so, we have an exciting entry-level opportunity for you.

About the Role

This position includes two key roles: Food Technician and Generalist. You'll start with bench work, making and testing food samples, and transition to office tasks, such as ordering supplies and tracking shipments. It's a great way to gain experience in both food production and administration.

What You'll Do

• Prepare food samples by following recipes (meatballs, patties, cutting meat, etc.).
• Weigh ingredients accurately and use the correct equipment for tests.
• Record and track test results, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Assist with pilot plant production, including setting up and breaking down equipment.
• Clean kitchen equipment for yourself and others as needed.
• Monitor ingredient inventory and ensure all items are in code before use.
• Assist in sample evaluation and arrange customer shipments.

• Process invoices and create purchase orders for supplies.
• Schedule and track sample shipments, communicating status updates.
• Manage incoming ingredient inventory and pilot plant supplies.
• Perform additional administrative office duties as requested.

What We're Looking For

Must-Have Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• No food allergies (must be able to taste and eat all types of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and turkey).
• Ability to be on your feet 60-95% of the time and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Strong ability to follow instructions and recipes accurately.
• Comfortable with basic computer skills (Microsoft Word & Excel familiarity preferred).
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Culinary certificate or training from accredited program
• Six months or more of experience working in a bakery, food manufacturing, or food quality control setting.
• Familiarity with ordering and invoicing systems.

Why Join Us?

• Gain hands-on experience in food quality, research, and manufacturing.
• Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• A great entry-level opportunity to grow in the food industry.

How to Apply

If you're ready to kickstart your career in food quality and R&D, apply today.

For California Applicants:

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) , and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).

This position is subject to a background check based on its job duties, which may include patient care, working with vulnerable populations, access to financial and confidential information, driving, working with heavy machinery, or working in a warehouse or laboratory environment. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.