R&D Technician

R&D Technician

Job Description

The R&D Technician supports the development and scale-up of new and improved products and packaging. This role provides hands-on technical support and project execution across laboratory, pilot plant, and plant environments, with a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and documentation. The technician works on a wide range of projects, including flavor development, pilot plant studies, front-end formulation and product development, and new product start-ups, while evaluating raw materials, nutritional content, food safety and claims, cost, and production optimization.

Responsibilities

+ Assist in the development, scale-up, and production of new and improved products, packages, and test lot materials, including formulation and test kitchen studies.

+ Execute project work requested by the business in key areas such as flavor development, pilot plant studies, front-end formulation and product development, and new product start-ups.

+ Evaluate raw material changes, including their impact on product performance, quality, nutritional content, and production feasibility.

+ Assess nutritional content and ensure alignment with defined product specifications and claims.

+ Support food safety and regulatory claims by following established procedures and documentation standards.

+ Identify and support cost optimization opportunities while maintaining product quality and consumer expectations.

+ Contribute to production optimization efforts by assisting with process adjustments, trials, and data collection in the pilot plant.

+ Operate laboratory equipment consistently and accurately according to approved methods, including blending, mixing, scales, and wet chemistry techniques.

+ Measure and analyze sugar, fat, and salt content using appropriate laboratory methods and equipment.

+ Work in test kitchen environments to prepare, test, and evaluate prototypes and product formulations.

+ Support pilot plant test runs by preparing materials, setting up equipment, monitoring runs, and collecting data.

+ Document test procedures, results, and observations accurately to support project decisions and knowledge sharing.

+ Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety policies, and food manufacturing procedures at all times.

+ Maintain compliance with quality claims and documentation standards to ensure products meet internal and external requirements.

+ Collaborate closely with R&D Scientists, Product Developers, operators, and maintenance staff to execute trials and resolve issues.

+ Participate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, adapting to changing priorities and project needs.

+ Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized laboratory, pilot plant, and test kitchen workspace.

+ Engage in approximately 600 test runs annually, helping to ensure efficient, accurate, and safe execution of experiments and pilot trials.

+ Communicate effectively with team members and project stakeholders regarding progress, issues, and results.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Life Science field preferred.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lakeville, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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 for the employee and dependents)  - Short and long-term disability  - Health Spending Account (HSA)  - Transportation benefits  - Employee Assistance Program  - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lakeville,MN.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Actalent

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…