R&D Technologist
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
R&D – R&D /
Permanent Full-Time /
On-site
The Irca Group is an International Leader in high quality finished and semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and ice cream markets. With a solid history of over 100 years in the industry, the Group has its headquarters in Italy (Gallarate) and a strong global footprint with 23 production sites and over 2000 employees in Europe, the United States and Vietnam.
Our core product categories include chocolate, compounds, chocolate decorations, sprinkles, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, nuts, and candied fruit. The most recent acquisition of Kerry Sweet complements our existing categories with the addition of sweet particulates, chocolate confections, inclusions, variegates and frozen fruit purees.
Through its 8 key brands (IRCA, Dobla®, in2food, Via Degli Orsini, JoyGelato, RaviFruit, Cesarin and Anastasi®) the IRCA Group offers an unparalleled "one-stop shop" approach for delivering quality solutions to all ingredients needs, through a broad range of innovative products. We offer every day and seasonal solutions to 3 macro channels: Gourmet, Food Manufacturing and Consumer Product (Retail).
“Extraordinary made simple”
We are seeking an experienced Research and Development Technician to work onsite at our lab located in Elk Grove Village, IL.
Under the direction of R&D scientists, the R&D technician produces artisan sprinkles samples using laboratory and pilot plant equipment daily and occasionally supports plant trials. The R&D technician should demonstrate a willingness to learn, comfort with changing priorities, and excellent attention to detail.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities include
· Create lab samples for customers.
· Completion of analytical testing for finished products, samples, and ingredients.
· Manage and organization of the lab, including ingredient and consumables inventory, and lab equipment maintained.
· Conduct new product development projects, from preparing food samples in a lab environment to monitoring full-scale production.
· Collaborate effectively with cross-functional business teams (account managers, quality, operations, finance, regulatory, procurement, supply chain, etc.) to gather the insights and tools needed for successful project execution.
· Ensure ingredient functionality meets sample requirements and performs effectively in end applications.
· Troubleshoot alongside other technologists across key developments, fostering strong technical relationships.
· Support site operations proactively, contributing to process and performance improvements.
· Other duties assigned to support project work.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High school Diploma, GED or equivalent
- 2-3 years’ experience in food manufacturing, small business, academia, or combination will be considered. Technical background in food science or production preferred.
- Experience working in a lab environment with food ingredients and manufacturing processes. Familiarity with good lab practices (GLP) and the ability to maintain an organized, safe environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to work autonomous and in a Team environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to solve problems, attention to detail and follow through.
- Strong written communication skills for clear documentation and progress updates.
- Hands-on experience with lab equipment, sample handling, and accurate testing.
- Experience managing product development projects
- Familiarity with Microsoft computer applications; Word, Excel, Outlook.
- Demonstrate efficient time management skills.
- Ability to follow written instructions and perform basic math functions.
- Ability to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively and proactively.
- Must be able to taste and smell foods including those with soy.
- Lift up to 50 pounds unassisted. Must be able to bend, stand for prolonged periods of time in a laboratory setting.
- Domestic travel to customers and production plants as necessary to meet objectives of the role <10% annually.
- Role is on first shift with occasional nights and weekends as required for trials and travel.
Why Join
- Irca Group offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits: Medical, Dental, & Vision, 401(k) matching, Paid Vacation, and Holidays, Employee Education Tuition Reimbursement Program.
- Irca Group USA LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
$26 - $28.50 an hour
