R&D Lab Technician in Iron Ridge, Wisconsin at PS Seasonings

Position Summary

The R&D Technician plays a key support role in product development, commercialization, and innovation across PS Seasoning's growing portfolio of food products. This position assists with formulation, sample preparation, laboratory testing, plant trials, documentation, ingredient management, and project execution to help bring new products from concept to commercialization.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, hands-on, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where multiple projects move at once. This is an entry-level opportunity ideal for someone early in their food science or culinary career — we will train the right candidate. The role serves as a key support resource for the R&D team while helping drive speed, quality, and execution across the product development process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development Support

• Prepare bench-top prototypes — seasoning blends, sauces, marinades, and other food products — according to established formulas and project objectives.
• Accurately weigh ingredients and prepare samples for internal evaluation, customer review, and plant trials.
• Assist Product Developers and Scientists with formulation development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Support cost optimization, ingredient replacement, product improvement, and innovation projects.

Sample Preparation and Shipment

• Prepare, package, label, and organize samples for customer submissions and internal evaluations.
• Coordinate sample shipments and maintain sample tracking records.
• Manage sample retention inventory and maintain organized sample storage areas.

Commercialization and Plant Trial Support

• Assist with pilot plant trials, production trials, and commercialization activities.
• Prepare ingredients, packaging, documentation, and materials required for plant trials.
• Collect observations, process data, and product measurements during trials.
• Support post-trial reporting and follow-up activities.

Laboratory Operations

• Operate, clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and ensure equipment readiness.
• Conduct routine analytical testing, including:

• Moisture, Water Activity (Aw), and Bulk Density
• Particle Size Analysis, Color Evaluation, and pH
• Other product quality assessments as required

Documentation and Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of formulas, test results, observations, and project activities.
• Assist with the preparation of product specifications, commercialization packets, regulatory documentation, TraceGains data entry, and project records.
• Familiarity with any spec management software or ERP system a plus
• Ensure documentation complies with company procedures and quality requirements.

Ingredient and Inventory Management

• Manage inventory of ingredients, laboratory supplies, packaging materials, and consumables.
• Coordinate replenishment and ordering of laboratory materials.
• Maintain organization of ingredient storage areas and inventory records.
• Assist with the receiving and disposition of R&D materials and samples.

Sensory Evaluation Support

• Prepare products for sensory evaluations and product tastings.
• Support sensory panel setup, execution, and data collection.
• Maintain sensory standards, references, and sample organization.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, organization, and product development processes.
• Support implementation of new equipment, technologies, and best practices.
• Participate in team initiatives focused on improving speed-to-market and project execution.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all company safety,food-safety, GMP, HACCP, and quality procedures.
• Comply with applicable FDA and USDA regulations for food and meat products.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, and support audit readiness.
• Participate in required training and audits.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related technical field preferred. Bachelor's degree plus.

Experience

• 1–3 years in food product development, food manufacturing, quality assurance, or laboratory operations preferred — not required.
• Experience in the seasoning, spice, sauce, or food-ingredient industries is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to accurately weigh ingredients and follow formulations.
• Basic understanding of food science principles and laboratory practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with TraceGains, ERP, PLM, or specification-management systems is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, positive, and eager to learn; works well independently and on a team.
• Willingness to taste and evaluate a wide range of seasoned food and meat products.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory, pilot plant, manufacturing, warehouse, refrigerated, and office environments.
• Exposure to food ingredients, spices, seasonings, allergens, strong aromas, and manufacturing equipment.

Why Join PS Seasoning?

PS Seasoning is a fast-growing, innovation-driven food company serving both branded and customer-owned products across multiple food categories. This role offers hands-on exposure to product development, commercialization, manufacturing, sensory science, and innovation while working alongside a collaborative, entrepreneurial team — an excellent launchpad for a career in R&D, Product Development, Food Science, and Innovation leadership.

Equal Opportunity

PS Seasoning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

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