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R&D Compounder - 1st shift

Synergy Flavors · Wauconda, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you supported several teams at once. How did you keep everyone happy?

What they are checking: Whether they can serve samples, flavor creation and applications teams without letting things fall through.

Tell me about a time you worked quickly but still got the details right.

What they are checking: Whether they balance speed and accuracy, since customers want quality samples fast.

What interests you about flavor research and development?

What they are checking: Whether they have genuine curiosity that will keep them engaged in detailed work.

What would you do

A rush sample is due today, but you notice a raw material is close to expiration. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they protect sample quality even when speed matters.

You make a mistake in a sample that's already gone to a customer. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report it right away so the team can correct it with the customer.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd compound a flavor sample from a formula.

What they are checking: Whether they weigh precisely, follow the order of addition and record the batch.

Why might the order you add ingredients matter in a sweet flavor?

What they are checking: Whether they understand solubility and mixing, not just the recipe list.

What lab or pilot-scale equipment have you used, and how do you make sure it's working right?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to check and care for equipment like scales and mixers.

How do you keep accurate records so a sample can be scaled up later?

What they are checking: Whether they document exactly what was used so production can repeat it.

How do you prevent cross-contamination between samples in a busy lab?

What they are checking: Whether they keep tools and workspace clean, especially with allergens.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Synergy Flavors from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Synergy Flavors.

Company Overview Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences. Your Role in Synergy's Success This position is responsible for compounding samples within the sweet research and development (R&D) group utilizing various pieces of laboratory and pilot scale equipment. The role is highly collaborative and supports other groups within R&D, such as the samples team, flavor creation, and applications, by ensuring our customers receive the highest quality samples, quickly. How You Will Contribute R&D Compounder I Synergy Flavors, Inc. is a leading international supplier of value-added flavors and ingredients to the global bakery, confectionary, beverage, savory, and nutrition industry. Our objective is simple, to provide great tasting flavors and ingredients for our customers. To do this, we employ some of the industry's most creative minds. We are headquartered in Wauconda, IL with additional operations in Chicago, IL; Hamilton, OH; Rochester, NY and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Position Summary This position is responsible for compounding samples within the sweet research and development (R&D) group utilizing various pieces of laboratory and pilot scale equipment. The role is highly collaborative and supports other groups within R&D, such as the samples team, flavor creation, and applications, by ensuring our customers receive the highest quality samples, quickly. Job Responsibilities • Compound finished flavors which encompasses printing formulas, gathering raw materials, precise weighing and mixing, heating, reacting, spray drying, and/or vacuum drying. • Maintain laboratory and pilot plant in a clean and organized manner. Routinely complete cleaning and organization tasks and, if required, basic preventative maintenance. • Work with, and support, other members of R&D to prioritize laboratory and pilot plant equipment usage, ensuring project deadlines are met. • Routinely complete both physical and electronic paperwork documenting, amongst other things, batching records, equipment performance, hours worked, etc. • Perform all tasks with a strong safety mindset and, if observed, report any safety observations in accordance with internal policies and procedures. • Routinely communicate with members of the R&D team to provide updates on status of projects. Qualifications and Skill Requirements • HS Diploma/GED Required • 0-5 yrs experience working with laboratory and pilot plant equipment, particularly within the food or pharmaceutical industry. • Basic computer skills required, e.g., Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. • Basic mathematical skills required. • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support multiple projects within any given day. • Must be able to work accurately, efficiently, and using good laboratory practices. • Strong work ethic, organization skills, and attention to detail. • Positive attitude, team player, and self-starter. • Ability to work overtime and lift up to 50 pounds when necessary. Starting Pay: $19 per hour Monday - Friday 9:30a -6p The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled. For more information on our benefits click here . Location: Wauconda, Illinois Work Arrangement: Onsite Reporting To: R&D Operations Supervisor Our Commitment to our People We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets. Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.

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