R&D Associate Project Manager

About the role

The R&D Technologist develops and refines 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.

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.
• Cook up and oversee test runs to ensure 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.

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.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• 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 coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Pay and Benefits

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

Requirements

• 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:

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.