Confections Application Technologist

Confectionery Product Development Technologist

We are seeking a Confectionery Product Development Technologist to develop and scale innovative confectionery and nutraceutical products, including gummies, chocolate, licorice, hard and soft candies, chews, and pectin-based systems. This role combines hands-on formulation, pilot plant and manufacturing support, customer engagement, and cross-functional collaboration to bring new products from concept to commercialization.

• Develop and optimize confectionery and nutraceutical formulations.
• Lead projects from bench-top development through pilot and commercial scale-up.
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, texture, flavor, and shelf-life challenges.
• Conduct product testing, sensory evaluations, and stability studies.
• Provide technical support and presentations for customers.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Flavor teams.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and GMP-compliant records.
• Mentor junior team members and support laboratory best practices.
• Travel up to 25% for customer visits, manufacturing trials, pilot work, and trade shows.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of confectionery product development experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Experience developing products such as gummies, chocolate, licorice, hard candy, soft candy, or nutraceutical confections.
• Strong formulation, food science, and scale-up experience.
• Ability to evaluate flavor systems, sweeteners, textures, and masking technologies.
• Strong communication, project management, and customer-facing skills.
• Experience with GMP-regulated environments and technical documentation.

• Experience with nutraceutical gummies and flavor masking technologies.
• Knowledge of chocolate processing, tempering, and viscosity management.
• Leadership potential with interest in mentoring and growing technical teams.

GMP-regulated laboratory and production setting with regular pilot and manufacturing trials. Exposure to food allergens and sensory testing is required. Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 30 lbs. Domestic travel up to 25%.

This is a Permanent position based out of Elmhurst, IL.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Strong culture of internal growth and promotion.

This is a fully onsite position in Elmhurst, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.