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Pet Food R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

7-ELEVEN

Technical R+D Manager, Food/Bev

Irving, TX · On-site

The Food Research and Development Manager provides technical leadership across the Private Brands portfolio, ensuring products are developed, commercialized, and maintained with scientific rigor.

Europastry USA

R & D Artisan Baker

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

Support compliance with food safety regulations and company standards. In addition to the essential duties and responsibilities listed above, all positions are also responsible for: * Meeting company ...

7-Eleven

Technical R+D Manager, Food/Bev

Irving, TX · On-site

The Food Research and Development Manager provides technical leadership across the Private Brands portfolio, ensuring products are developed, commercialized, and maintained with scientific rigor.

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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 Jul 23, 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.
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Pet Food R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Food R&D job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,974 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Research And Development Engineer

Research And Development Engineer

Saige Partners

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Research & Development (R&D) Engineer – Flexible Packaging

Location: Charlotte, NC or Elk Grove Village, IL (Onsite)


Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Research & Development (R&D) Engineer to lead the development of innovative flexible packaging solutions for customers across the food, beverage, healthcare, and consumer products industries. This is a progression-based position, with level determined by experience and business needs.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead technical development of new flexible packaging products, structures, and technologies.
  • Translate customer and market requirements into product specifications and engineered solutions.
  • Plan and execute pilot, production, and packaging validation trials.
  • Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Coordinate project activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams.
  • Develop subject matter expertise in key material and packaging technologies.
  • Monitor industry trends, emerging materials, and competitive technologies to drive innovation.
  • Prepare technical reports, project plans, presentations, and development updates.
  • Support commercialization efforts through customer visits, supplier meetings, industry conferences, and training.
  • Partner with sustainability, engineering, marketing, and sales teams to identify future product opportunities.


Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 5–10 years of experience in product development, packaging engineering, manufacturing, or R&D.
  • Experience with new product development and commercialization.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.


Preferred

  • Experience with flexible packaging manufacturing processes including:
  • Blown film extrusion
  • Extrusion coating and laminating
  • Rotogravure or flexographic printing
  • Pouch converting
  • Form/Fill/Seal equipment
  • Knowledge of packaging materials including:
  • Experience with retort or hot-fill packaging applications.
  • Industry experience supporting food, pet food, dairy, coffee, frozen foods, healthcare, or personal care packaging.


Apply