Product Development Technician

About Imbibe

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry.

Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products.

At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time.

If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Summary of Position

The Product Development Technician plays a supporting role—driving for action and results to further internal and external project progress. This individual works both within the Product Development and Applications teams, assisting others under the direction of experienced R&D staff, as well as individually on assigned project work. The specific day-to-day tasks may vary but include Pilot Plant batching, analytical testing, sample preparation and shipment, and support for shelf-life studies.

Essential Job Duties

• Batch, package, and ship product samples for client evaluation, third party laboratory or consumer testing.
• Package, label, and ship flavor samples to clients as needed.
• Batch and prepare formulas for processing in the Pilot Plant. 
• Conduct analytical testing on raw and finished product samples including but not limited to pH, titratable acidity, total solids/moisture, particle size, Brix, density, viscosity, and color.
• Monitor shelf life for given projects and pull product samples at regular intervals for analytical testing.
• Keep detailed records of batched formulas, analytical testing data, shelf life data and collaborate with the Product Development, Engineering, and Sensory teams to produce formal reports when needed.
• Execute other duties as assigned within established SOPs and participate in SOP revision, optimization, and creation with other R&D stakeholders. Participates in training and onboarding initiatives.
• Maintain, clean, and organize all work areas including participation in maintenance of communal workspaces.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Detail-oriented work style with a team-centric mindset.
• Comfortable with a brisk working pace and environment of changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a scientific field.
• Experience in a food manufacturing facility and/or laboratory.

Working Conditions

• Typical office setting for most desk work and paperwork including use of standard office equipment.
• Typical food/beverage laboratory and pilot plant setting for all hands-on development work including the use of standard laboratory equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• May occasionally need to move, lift, or transport containers of ingredients weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens.

Approximate Salary Range$50,000—$60,000 USD

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role.

Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
• 401k retirement plan with company contribution and match
• FSA and HSA account
• Generous company holidays, PTO, and sick time
• Onsite gym and wellness opportunities 
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Learning and professional development opportunities