Senior Food Scientist – Pet Food R&D

Kinsa is recruiting for a Sr R&D Scientist – Pet Food
Location: Milwaukee, WI (Relocation assistance provided)

Our client has been on the cutting edge of the raw pet food movement from the start. Pioneers in the field of healthier raw pet foods, they are headquartered in suburban Milwaukee, WI. The company is looking for an experienced food scientist to help drive ongoing innovation and quality, with a focus on freeze-dried products. In this role you will conduct research and development, leveraging your technical expertise and scientific thinking skills to combine consumer needs and product possibilities. This role encompasses the entire R&D process, from prototype development to product launch. You will help ensure the company’s ongoing success by helping to produce safe, wholesome pet food products that meet consumer expectations.

• Relevant college degree. 5+ years of meat experience and 5+ years of freeze-dried food manufacturing experience required. Pet food experience preferred.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $120-140k base salary plus bonus
• Medical; Dental, Vision, Disability & Life insurance
• 401(k)
• PTO & Paid holidays
• Pet Insurance

Key Responsibilities and Goals

• Develop innovative products, beginning with the concept phase through successful commercialization. 
• Manage innovative business growth projects as assigned by the company’s leaders.
• Research, design, and evaluate new materials, optimize processes and evaluate equipment for freeze dried products and other projects.
• Design and conduct pilot plant & plant trials and new product start-ups. Optimize processing techniques for freeze-dried pet foods to improve yield and quality.
• Oversee complex research projects, analyze results and provide recommendations based on findings.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project execution from development to production. 
• Conduct research on emerging trends, new ingredients, novel technologies and processes.
• Collaborate with external research organizations, suppliers and academic institutions on relevant projects.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• A Bachelors degree in Food Science, Food Engineering (or related field). Masters degree preferred.
• 5+ years meat experience required.
• 5+ years experience freeze-dried foods manufacturing experience required.
• Proven experience in production formulation, ingredient selection, and process development.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. 
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for driving new product development.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!

Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at https://kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/

 Recruiter Information:
George Blomgren
georgeb@kinsa.com