R&D Food Chemist II
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Bridgeview, Illinois, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Category
- Science
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- B.S. degree in Food Chemistry, Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field required. Degree in Food Science or Food Chemistry preferred.
- 3–5 years of relevant food industry and food product development/formulation experience.
- Working knowledge of HACCP, SQF, GMPs, allergen control, and FDA food safety requirements is preferred. PCQI certification or experience with preventive controls is also preferred.
- Experience conducting experiments and analyzing, interpreting, and communicating experimental data.
- Working knowledge of scientific principles, including food chemistry, applicable to food formulation and product development.
- Working knowledge of nutritional calculations, food labeling requirements, ingredient declarations, allergen labeling, and applicable food regulations is preferred.
- Experience preparing Product Data Sheets, product specifications, nutritional information, or other technical product documentation is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively review and apply technical information relevant to projects, including technical documents, patents, regulations, and raw material information.
- Skills to troubleshoot formulation and product development challenges, relying on chemistry and scientific principles.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate technical documentation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information to customers and other stakeholders.
Full description
PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity.
From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces more than 2,500 different aerosol and liquid products in our facilities across the continent. We know that being the partner of choice for our clients starts with being the partner of choice for our employees. Learn more at or visit
The R&D Food Chemist II will focus on formulation and development of new products, performance evaluation, raw material selection and qualification, sales sample preparation, technology transfer, technical documentation, and troubleshooting of technical issues. The role will also support the preparation and maintenance of Product Data Sheets (PDS), product specifications, nutritional information, and product label content in accordance with applicable regulatory and customer requirements. Detailed documentation of results and strong communication skills are required, as well as the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and customers.
Key Responsibility:
- Develop and optimize food formulations and products to meet customer and market needs.
- Select and evaluate raw materials based on product requirements, performance, quality, and cost.
- Prepare product samples for customer testing and approval.
- Conduct formulation, performance, stability, and shelf-life testing and interpret results.
- Develop experimental plans, with guidance as needed, for short- and long-term product development projects using DOE and other appropriate techniques.
- Conduct proof-of-concept studies and evaluate the feasibility of new product concepts.
- Troubleshoot formulation, product quality, and manufacturing issues and provide technical recommendations.
- Prepare and maintain Product Data Sheets (PDS), product specifications, nutritional information, and other technical product documentation to support product development, commercialization, customers, and regulatory requirements.
- Calculate, compile, and verify nutritional values and ingredient information for product labels using formulation data, raw material specifications, supplier information, laboratory results, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support the development and review of product labels, including nutritional information, ingredient declarations, allergen statements, and other required technical information.