Principal Technologist, Technical Service - Batters, Breadings & Savory US/CAN

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bedford Park, IL

Workplace type: Hybrid- 4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote

Ingredion is seeking a Principal Technologist, Technical Service to lead technical support for global and regional customers across diverse food and beverage applications. The candidate will provide formulation expertise primarily in batters & breadings and savory applications for large global accounts. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to showcase innovative ingredient solutions, manage technical projects, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and key customer decision-makers.

The role reports to the Senior Project Leader, T&HS, US/CAN.

What you will do:

• Lead technical execution for key accounts, supporting account plans and delivering on strategic roadmaps. 

• Engage directly with customers to co-create food concepts and present solutions at meetings and trade shows. 

• Support customer, sales, and marketing initiatives with technical leadership and category expertise. 

• Drive category growth as a peer leader in the Category Expertise Team (CET), developing and executing strategic initiatives. 

• Manage multiple complex projects using strong project management skills to meet shifting business priorities. 

• Introduce innovative technologies and solutions through collaboration with internal teams and customers. 

• Design, supervise, and analyze experiments to solve formulation challenges and generate actionable insights. 

• Deepen understanding of ingredient functionality across applications and mentor others in its use. 

• Monitor market trends to inform technical strategies. 

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and communicate effectively across teams. 

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in food science, Chemistry or related scientific field (e.g. Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering) with 5+ years of product development and Technical Service experience preferably in batters & breadings and savory applications. 

• Knowledge of common food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions such as starches, sweeteners, hydrocolloids, fats, proteins etc., is a plus. Ability to formulate products across a range of food categories 

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills required for formulation development, optimization, and troubleshooting 

• Previous laboratory pilot plant & bench top experience in a research food laboratory/product development environment. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive technical reports and deliver technical presentations 

• Ability to work independently. 

• Excellent planning and organizational skills.

• Ability to lead and work with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to travel up to 30% primarily local travel.

Who you are:

• Technical Service lead and Subject Matter Expert for assigned category

• Responsive to customer needs and proactively seeks external knowledge to improve own understanding and work output.

• A collaborator who builds strong relationships with key Internal & External stakeholder

Why Join Ingredion? 

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success

• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being

• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement

• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally

• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Pay Range:

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.