R&D Associate Project Manager

Job Title:

R&D Technologist / Project Manager

Job Description

The R&D Technologist develop and refine pet food formulations for large-scale production while collaborating closely with customers and internal teams. This role balances hands-on work in a laboratory and production environment with office-based product development, documentation, and customer interaction. You will help design formulas, evaluate feedback, adjust products, and support product scale-up by establishing production processes and workflows. Over time, the position transitions from primarily lab-focused work into a more customer-facing, project-driven role.

Responsibilities

+ Develop, refine, and adjust pet food formulations based on customer requirements and product performance feedback.

+ Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to understand product goals, specifications, and constraints.

+ Coordinate laboratory activities to ensure required ingredients, materials, and equipment are available for trials and sample production.

+ Support sample production and lab operations by overseeing test runs and ensuring proper handling of ingredients and finished products.

+ Maintain laboratory and production equipment in good working order and follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

+ Create work orders and accurately document all product development activities, including formulations, process conditions, and test results.

+ Track time spent on projects and record relevant project data to provide clear visibility and reporting to customers.

+ Collaborate with the lab technician who performs daily hands-on tasks such as sample preparation, ingredient handling, mixing, cooking, and cleaning, ensuring alignment with development goals.

+ Work cross-functionally with production teams to support scale-up from lab trials to full manufacturing runs.

+ Ensure adherence to food safety, regulatory, and quality standards throughout the development and trial process.

+ Participate in research and development initiatives focused on new product development and continuous improvement.

+ For Technologist II:
Manage, update, and maintain SOPs related to R&D and lab operations.

+ For Technologist II:
Track and bill lab expenses accurately to support project costing and budgeting.

+ For Technologist II:
Communicate directly with customers, providing technical updates, gathering feedback, and aligning on project timelines and deliverables.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree ideally in food science, microbiology, chemistry, or another life science.

+ Associate's degree combined with experience in product development in a food environment or food service.

+ Open to entry level new grads as well.

+ Experience in microbiology and laboratory-based food science work.

+ Experience in research and development within the food or pet food industry.

+ Familiarity with FDA and GMP requirements in a regulated food facility.

+

Experience with client communication and client relationship management.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily in an office setting with regular work in the laboratory and on the production floor within a GMP-regulated food manufacturing facility. You will work closely with teams producing organic soups and pet food products for a variety of customers in a rapidly growing, contract manufacturing environment. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.

-3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.

-4:30 p.m., with the expectation that you may occasionally start earlier, stay later, or work limited weekends to meet production demands. The culture emphasizes supporting business needs, flexibility in work schedules, and a strong drive to perform at a high level of excellence. Casual attire is acceptable, including jeans and shirts with short or long sleeves. In the plant and lab, you must wear closed-toe steel-toed shoes and a long-sleeve shirt, and you will be provided with lab coats, hair nets, beard nets, and other required protective items.

As a GMP facility, there are strict guidelines such as no jewelry, fake nails, or any items that could pose a risk of falling into food products. The environment offers the opportunity to work closely with production processes, contribute to a growing brand, and be part of a team that values ambition, flexibility, and quality.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of JANESVILLE, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:  - Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital  - 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D…