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Pet Food R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woodland Foods

R & D Food Technician

Fremont, NE · On-site

R & D Food Technician Department: Research and Development Reports To: R&D and QA Director Location: Manufacturing Plant Contact Information: International Spices 1040 Lucius Street Fremont NE 68025 ...

Woodland Foods

R & D Food Technician

Fremont, NE · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

R & D Food Technician Department: Research and Development Reports To: R&D and QA Director Location: Manufacturing Plant Contact Information: International Spices 1040 Lucius Street Fremont NE 68025 ...

Cargill

Applications Food Scientist R&D Intern

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Food R/D Team : Researching how Cargill ingredients function in different snacks and bakery applications and processes. Creating new and innovative bakery, snack, dairy, and beverage formulations for ...

Cargill

Applications Food Scientist R&D Intern

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Food R/D Team : Researching how Cargill ingredients function in different snacks and bakery applications and processes. Creating new and innovative bakery, snack, dairy, and beverage formulations for ...

Saturn Petcare Inc

R & D Scientist

Terre Haute, IN · On-site

The R&D scientist will have the opportunity to use knowledge and experience to conduct research in pet wet food. As a part of the R&D team, the R&D scientist will develop strategies to improve ...

Cookies United

R & D Specialist

Islip, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Work on project definitions and creation in conjunction with the R+D Manager. * Manage the project ... Knowledge of SQF + food safety is a plus. Education and Experience: * College Degree in Science ...

JRG Partners

Director of R & D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Our client, a leading Food Technology Company is seeking a R & D Director. This is a fast growing company and is an exciting career opportunity! The Director of R&D will be reporting to the VP of R&D ...

smartdept. inc.

R & D Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

smartdept. is searching for an R&D Coordinator for a food & beverage client located in Brooklyn, NY. The ideal candidate will come with 0-2+ years of experience. This is a part-time, onsite, ongoing ...

Global Recruiters of Medina

Food Scientist

New Ulm, MN

$70K/yr

Food Science Technologist/R&D-ProteinIf you are interested in joining and contributing to a privately held 70-year organization on our Product Development Team I would like to speak with you. We are ...

Global Recruiters of Medina

Food Scientist

Mankato, MN

$75K/yr

Food Science Technologist/R&D-ProteinIf you are interested in joining and contributing to a privately held 70-year organization on our Product Development Team I would like to speak with you. We are ...

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Pet Food R D information

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How much do pet food r&d jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet food r&d in the United States is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in Pet Food R&D roles, and how can candidates best prepare to address them?

Professionals in Pet Food R&D often encounter challenges such as balancing nutritional requirements with palatability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and innovating with new ingredients while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Success in this role requires strong collaboration with nutritionists, veterinarians, and production teams to test formulations and address feedback. Candidates can prepare by staying updated on industry regulations, understanding ingredient functionality, and gaining hands-on experience in laboratory or pilot plant settings to troubleshoot formulation issues efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pet Food R&D specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Food R&D specialist, you need a strong background in animal nutrition, food science, and product formulation, usually supported by a degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, regulatory compliance systems, and formulation software such as PLM or Genesis R&D is important. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart by enabling innovation and cross-functional collaboration. These skills and qualities ensure the development of safe, nutritious, and marketable pet food products that meet industry standards and consumer needs.

What is the difference between Pet Food R&D vs Pet Food Quality Assurance?

AspectPet Food R&DPet Food Quality Assurance
Primary FocusDeveloping new pet food formulas and productsEnsuring existing products meet quality and safety standards
Required CredentialsFood science, nutrition, or related degreesFood safety, quality assurance certifications, or related degrees
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, product development labs, R&D facilitiesManufacturing plants, quality control labs, inspection sites
Industry UsageResearch and product innovationProduct safety, compliance, and quality control

Pet Food R&D focuses on creating and developing new pet food products, emphasizing innovation and formulation. In contrast, Pet Food Quality Assurance ensures that products meet safety and quality standards, maintaining consistency and compliance. Both roles are essential in the pet food industry but serve different stages of product development and oversight.

What is Pet Food R&D?

Pet Food R&D, or Research and Development in pet food, involves creating, testing, and improving pet food products. Professionals in this field research animal nutrition, develop new recipes, ensure food safety, and work to meet regulatory requirements. Their work ensures that pet foods are both nutritious and appealing to pets, while also being safe and cost-effective to produce. They collaborate with veterinarians, scientists, and product developers to bring innovative pet foods to market.
More about Pet Food R D jobs
What job categories do people searching Pet Food R&D jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pet Food R&D jobs are:
Pet Food R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Food R&D job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,974 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
R & D Food Technician

R & D Food Technician

Woodland Foods

Fremont, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

R & D Food Technician
Department: Research and Development
 Reports To: R&D and QA Director
Location: Manufacturing Plant
Contact Information:
International Spices
1040 Lucius Street
Fremont NE  68025
(402) 727-4600
Andrea.campbell@internationalspices.com

R&D Food Technician – Job Description

Overview

An R&D Food Technician supports the development of new food products and the improvement of existing ones. This role involves conducting preparing the samples as per formulas given by the supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

· Assist in the development and testing of new food products, formulations, and processes

· Prepare product samples in a lab as per supervisor’s instructions.

· Ship the samples out to customers.

· Participate in sample/product evaluation and build sensory skills.

· Support scale-up production trials from laboratory to manufacturing.

· Maintain and clean laboratory equipment, stock up supplies, clen the workstation and the lab every day.

Required Skills & Qualifications

· Work experience in the food industry is a plus.

· Basic knowledge of food processing, ingredients, and formulation techniques

· Strong attention to details and accuracy.

· Ability to follow precise instructions.

· Need basic computer skills and open to learning new skills.

· Good problem-solving and analytical abilities

· Effective teamwork and communication skills

· Proficiency in basic lab equipment and testing methods


Preferred Qualifications

· High school diploma or equivalent.

· Experience working in a food manufacturing or R&D environment

· Knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques.

Work Environment

· Laboratory or food production setting

· May require standing for long periods and handling food ingredients

· Must follow strict hygiene and safety protocols

Physical Requirements

· Ability to lift materials (typically up to 25–50 lbs)

· Standing, bending, and repetitive tasks during trials and testing


Salary range:  $50,000-$70,000 starting salary commensurate with experience
 

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