Title: R&D SpecialistLocation: Addison, ILOverview:Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.Hire Type: Direct HireBenefits: Medical, Dental, VisionBonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: 401k matchingPay: $75,000-100,000Job Summary:
An R&D Specialist is needed to support the development and enhancement of fully cooked meat products. This role involves formulating recipes, conducting trials, and ensuring products meet high standards of taste, quality, safety, and consistency. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve manufacturing processes, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Job Duties:Support the creation of new fully cooked meat products from initial concept to market launch.Organize and execute product trials, including batching, cooking, packaging, and data collection.Conduct sensory and quality evaluations to verify flavor, texture, and overall performance.Partner with production, quality, and marketing teams to achieve project objectives.Maintain precise documentation of formulas, test runs, and results.Identify and resolve issues in production processes and adjust formulations as needed.Perform shelf-life testing and evaluate product stability.Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, USDA, FDA, and internal standards.Monitor industry trends, ingredient innovations, and new technologies to support product development.Present and demonstrate new products to internal teams or customers, highlighting benefits and applications.Qualifications:Degree or certification in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.3–5 years of relevant experience in food processing or manufacturing, with a strong preference for meat or protein products.Background in product development, including creating and scaling formulations for production.Knowledge of ingredient functionality, food science principles, and food processing equipment.Strong skills in recipe and process documentation with attention to detail and accuracy.Creative problem solver with the ability to innovate while maintaining production feasibility.Comfortable conducting sensory evaluations, including tasting meat products.Familiarity with food safety systems and regulatory compliance (HACCP, GMP, USDA, FDA).Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).Adaptable to working in varied environments such as kitchens, pilot plants, and test labs.Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
