R&D Associate Project Manager

Job Title: R&D Technologist / Project Manager

Job Description

The R&D Technologist develop and refine pet food formulations for large-scale production while collaborating closely with customers and internal teams. This role balances hands-on work in a laboratory and production environment with office-based product development, documentation, and customer interaction. You will help design formulas, evaluate feedback, adjust products, and support product scale-up by establishing production processes and workflows. Over time, the position transitions from primarily lab-focused work into a more customer-facing, project-driven role.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and adjust pet food formulations based on customer requirements and product performance feedback.
• Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to understand product goals, specifications, and constraints.
• Coordinate laboratory activities to ensure required ingredients, materials, and equipment are available for trials and sample production.
• Support sample production and lab operations by overseeing test runs and ensuring proper handling of ingredients and finished products.
• Maintain laboratory and production equipment in good working order and follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.
• Create work orders and accurately document all product development activities, including formulations, process conditions, and test results.
• Track time spent on projects and record relevant project data to provide clear visibility and reporting to customers.
• Collaborate with the lab technician who performs daily hands-on tasks such as sample preparation, ingredient handling, mixing, cooking, and cleaning, ensuring alignment with development goals.
• Work cross-functionally with production teams to support scale-up from lab trials to full manufacturing runs.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, regulatory, and quality standards throughout the development and trial process.
• Participate in research and development initiatives focused on new product development and continuous improvement.
• For Technologist II: Manage, update, and maintain SOPs related to R&D and lab operations.
• For Technologist II: Track and bill lab expenses accurately to support project costing and budgeting.
• For Technologist II: Communicate directly with customers, providing technical updates, gathering feedback, and aligning on project timelines and deliverables.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree ideally in food science, microbiology, chemistry, or another life science.
• Associate’s degree combined with experience in product development in a food environment or food service.
• Open to entry level new grads as well.
• Experience in microbiology and laboratory-based food science work.
• Experience in research and development within the food or pet food industry.
• Familiarity with FDA and GMP requirements in a regulated food facility.
• Experience with client communication and client relationship management.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily in an office setting with regular work in the laboratory and on the production floor within a GMP-regulated food manufacturing facility. You will work closely with teams producing organic soups and pet food products for a variety of customers in a rapidly growing, contract manufacturing environment. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with the expectation that you may occasionally start earlier, stay later, or work limited weekends to meet production demands. The culture emphasizes supporting business needs, flexibility in work schedules, and a strong drive to perform at a high level of excellence. Casual attire is acceptable, including jeans and shirts with short or long sleeves. In the plant and lab, you must wear closed-toe steel-toed shoes and a long-sleeve shirt, and you will be provided with lab coats, hair nets, beard nets, and other required protective items. As a GMP facility, there are strict guidelines such as no jewelry, fake nails, or any items that could pose a risk of falling into food products. The environment offers the opportunity to work closely with production processes, contribute to a growing brand, and be part of a team that values ambition, flexibility, and quality.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of JANESVILLE, WI.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in JANESVILLE,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $24 - $26