Role Summary:

The R&D Application Specialist role is responsible for supporting laboratory operations, product development, analytical testing, and quality assurance activities for freeze-dried and frozen pet food products. This position manages laboratory equipment and testing processes, supports NIR calibration programs, assists with product innovation initiatives, and ensures compliance with regulatory and food safety standards. The role collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, Production, and FSQA teams to support product development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Laboratory & Analytical Testing

• Manage laboratory equipment, materials, and testing supplies to ensure proper functionality and compliance.
• Perform moisture analyzer calibrations and maintain calibration documentation.
• Conduct regulatory and analytical testing on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Coordinate third-party laboratory testing, including sample collection, preparation, shipping, and results tracking.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test data, certificates of analysis, and regulatory documentation.
• Assist with production finished good quality testing as backup support for FSQA operations.

NIR Calibration & Training

• Develop, maintain, and verify Near Infrared (NIR) calibration programs.
• Train FSQA investigators, technicians, and other personnel on proper NIR operation and testing procedures.
• Troubleshoot NIR equipment and support continuous calibration improvements.

Product Development & Innovation

• Develop and prototype new freeze-dried and frozen pet food products, flavors, and ingredient applications.
• Execute bench-top and pilot-scale R&D samples aligned with project objectives.
• Evaluate new ingredients and processing capabilities for scalability into commercial manufacturing.
• Document formulations, processing observations, nutritional analyses, and experimental outcomes.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with R&D, Operations, FSQA, Procurement, and Packaging teams to ensure proper handling and control of prototypes and samples.
• Support product commercialization activities through sample preparation and process validation.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to improve efficiency, consistency, quality, and cost performance.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and company standards.
• Ensure all testing records, formulations, and experimental documentation are complete, accurate, and audit ready.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and workplace safety requirements.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, R&D, or quality assurance environment.

Skills and Abilities:

A successful R&D Application Specialist will have:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to accurately document laboratory procedures, formulations, and testing results.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices, food safety principles, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of formulations, processes, and proprietary information.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday and regularly perform repetitive hand movements while handling laboratory materials, ingredients, and testing equipment. The employee must be able to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis. Work may be performed in laboratory, manufacturing, refrigerated, frozen, wet, or temperature-controlled environments. The role also requires the ability to safely handle raw materials, chemicals, cleaning agents, and laboratory equipment while following all safety procedures and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE). Visual ability to read instruments, labels, computer screens, and technical documentation is required.

Role Disclosure and Acknowledgement:

The Role Description does not contain all lists of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this role but is intended to be a general summary of the essential functions and qualifications to perform the tasks of the role. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice. By signing the below, you agree to have read the description in full and understand the requirements, essential functions, and duties of this role.