Associate Developer - Product (Research and Development)

What You Will Do

The Associate Research and Development Scientist will support Product Development Scientists in executing projects by assisting in experiments, collecting and recording experimental data, and communicating results to project lead by means of project updates, product cuttings, and laboratory reports.

This position requires strong organization skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing to broader project objectives.

How You Will Make An Impact

Support the management of multiple projects by assisting in planning, execution, and timely completion of assigned project tasks under the guidance of other senior team members.

Demonstrate technical competence in supporting experimental work, testing protocols, and development activities for new or revised products.

Assist in transitioning products or processes from development into production by ensuring documentation, data and procedures meet quality and regulatory expectations.

Records, collates, evaluates, and interprets experimental data to support technical conclusions and recommendations.

Prepare and conduct meeting updates, product cuttings, presentations, shelf-life testing and cost analysis to project team members.

Participate in and support oral presentations and project meetings to share results, progress, and recommendations.

Support and participate in in-person plant trials.

Independently completes routine and moderately complex tasks while escalating issues, risks, or decisions as appropriate.

Senior Product Development Scientist

Serve as back-up to this position.

Agility and Innovation

Support and operate standard lab equipment / techniques of moderate complexity.

Support lab, pilot plant or plant test runs.

Relationships and People

Complete assigned tasks and tabulate data for accuracy and trends.

Effectively interact with cross-function project teams internal and external through written and oral communications and maintain current understanding of overall project status.

Support the R&D team to make significant individual contributions to deliver goals and execute project plans.

Work Location and Travel

May travel 0-25% of the time, dependent on project and development location; including, but not limited to, Arkansas and Pennsylvania.

May at times be required to travel to training programs, test runs, to co-packers, ingredient, or equipment vendors, and/or other suppliers and testing facilities at odd hours.

This position is required onsite, with flexibility as needed.

What You Will Bring

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Basic understanding of cat and dog nutrition required, advanced knowledge of AAFCO and FEDIAF regulations preferred
• Ability to use standard lab equipment and conduct experimental procedures
• Ability to perform standardized and routine assignments involving a sequence of related operations with minimal supervision
• Computer skills with proficiency to construct moderately complex graphs and charts, record formulas, design presentations and evaluate statistical analysis modules
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to dynamic work environment
• Responds well to changing priorities and quick turnaround projects
• Physically capable of handling or transporting goods (up to 40 lbs)
• Able to work with fresh raw meats and other food ingredients
• Must be able to withstand occasional cold temperatures (40° F)

Education/Skills

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree or certification in an area related to Food Science, Nutrition or Animal Science preferred.
• Foundational understanding of meat and poultry science, meat microbiology, or pet food product development preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Pet insurance
• Tuition assistance
• A generous PTO plan
• and so much more!

Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce

We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our employees are our most valuable assets. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well.

Freshpet aims to hire candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. We are not able to sponsor visas. Freshpet does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails.