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Pet Food R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kemps

Food Technologist-R&D

Rochester, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Other duties may be assigned as required EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE • High school diploma or equivalent • 1 to 3 years of experience in a food or dairy industry (Vocational or collegiate training ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kona Ice

Researcher R & D

Florence, KY · On-site

S. Food Science or Chemistry. Other B.S. technical degrees considered (i.e., Chemical Engineering, Biology, etc.) * 1+ years in food and/or beverage product development or a similar field ...

Kona Ice

Researcher R & D

Florence, KY · On-site

S. Food Science or Chemistry. Other B.S. technical degrees considered (i.e., Chemical Engineering, Biology, etc.) * 1+ years in food and/or beverage product development or a similar field ...

Nura

R & D Intern

Irvine, CA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

NURA is a leading food and beverage ingredient distribution company that specializes in the import of high-quality ingredients and distributes them across the United States. We are committed to ...

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Pet Food R D information

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$5

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

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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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
Food Technologist-R&D

Food Technologist-R&D

Kemps

Rochester, MN • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Hours: 7:30am-4:00pm
$25.00/hour
GENERAL PURPOSE
Provide operational and technical experience to conduct routine to moderately complex pilot plant trials. Under moderate supervision, schedule trials, procure ingredients, batch formulations, operate process equipment, clean/sanitize unit operations, record observations, interpret data, recommend next steps, and update standard operating procedures (SOP's). Assist in conducting or conduct routine production trials and lab tests as needed.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Schedule routine and new product, cost reduction, tech service pilot plant trials
• Inventory and gather ingredients and supplies
• Batch routine to intermediate fluid, cultured, and frozen formulations
• Perform pilot plant and lab activities including assembly and operation
• Record data and report observations
• Assist project leaders with data interpretation
• Collaborate on next steps with project leaders
• Under guidance, assist with and/or conduct routine production trials
• Assist project leaders with routine to intermediate production trials
• Under guidance, assist with and/or conduct routine lab tests
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 to 3 years of experience in a food or dairy industry (Vocational or collegiate training considered commensurate for experience)
An Equal Opportunity Employer
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About Kemps

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1914, Kemps has been delighting families throughout the upper Midwest with wholesome and delicious dairy products. We started as a small creamery in Southeastern Minnesota, but we’ve grown quite a bit through the years. Today, we’re owned by Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA). At Kemps, we produce fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and frozen novelty treats, to bring the goodness of Kemps to families and communities.

Industry

Animal farming

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1914

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