Product Development Technologist

jobpurpose:TheProduct Development Technologist supports the development, optimization, and commercialization of dairy products through hands-on laboratory and pilot plant activities as a member of the Product Development team. Working collaboratively in R&D, as well as with cross-functional partners, this role contributes to new product development, product maintenance, product improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple product lines. Responsibilities include formulation development, ingredient evaluation, analytical and functional testing, scale-up activities, technical documentation, and data analysis to support successful product launches. The Product Development Technologist ensures laboratory activities are conductedin accordance withquality, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

responsibilities:

• Develops and prepares product prototypes using laboratory and pilot plant equipment to support research and development activities

• Selects and appliesappropriate methodologiesfor project execution and contributes to the design and implementation of experimental plans

• Assistswith pilot plant trials, scale-up activities, and production validations to support commercialization and successful product launches.

• Sets up,operates,andmaintainslaboratory and pilot plant equipment to ensureaccurateandefficient testing

• Participates in product benchmarking and sensory evaluations to assess product quality, performance, and competitive positioning.

• Conducts analytical and functional testing of ingredients including raw and processed dairy,utilizinglaboratory instrumentation; Analyzes, and interprets experimental data to support project recommendations and decision-making.

• Maintainsaccuratelaboratory notebooks, test records, and technical documentationin accordance withcompany procedures.

• Prepares summaries, reports, and presentations to communicate project findings and recommendations.

• Coordinates with suppliers and internal stakeholders, including other company locations, toprocurematerials and support project needs

• Receives and organizes incoming deliveries in support of laboratory operations

• Sources ingredients and manages laboratory inventory to ensure availabilityof materials for ongoing projects

• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with company and regulatory standards

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biology or related discipline required

• 0-2years' experiencein the food industry (Dairy applications is a plus)

• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in afast paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Ability to work autonomously and adapt to changes in schedule

• Proficiencyin English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

workingconditions and physical requirements:

• 8+hours sitting/standing/walking

• Ability tolift upto40lbs.

• Reaching/bendingrequired

• Exposure to hazards (steam, flammable chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, etc.)

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a lab and pilot plant environment where the noise level is usuallymoderate, butcan be high.PPE isrequiredin certain situations and will be provided.

• Be flexible with hours and scheduling, ability to work all shifts including extended hours as needed (up to 12 hours due to certain trial work)

howfairlifenourishes you:

Atfairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits andwellbeingresources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance

• Paid parental leave & adoptionassistance(up to $10,000)

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife'snour!shprogram is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location:Chicago, IL

reports to:Manager, Product Development

travel requirements: 10%

exempt/nonexempt:Exempt