Research and Development Technologist

Location: Lancaster, PA

Are you a hands-on R&D professional who loves bringing new food products to life? Kettle & Fire is hiring a Research and Development Technologist to support new product development, cost optimization, and commercialization projects directly from our manufacturing facilities, with a focus on thermally processed low acid foods. This is a full-time, exempt role reporting to the Sr. Director, R&D Processing, partnering closely with Quality Control, Warehouse, and Production to ensure R&D work is efficient, cost-effective, and meets best-in-class standards.

Company and Benefits

Who We Are

At Kettle & Fire, we are driven by a mission to create products that heal rather than harm, supporting both our consumers’ health and a healthy food system. Our culture is built on a foundation of core values that guide our work and define our team's identity. We push the boundaries of what's possible, embracing challenges with a growth mindset. We value radical candor and transparency, prioritize our customers relentlessly, and own our responsibilities unequivocally. We focus intently on mission-critical tasks and execute with high-tempo precision. Our team’s success is predicated on each member’s commitment to collective goals, demanding not only individual excellence but a harmonious effort to excel as one cohesive unit. If you thrive in an environment that values high performance and flexible, results-oriented outcomes, you might just be the A-player we’re looking for.

What We Offer:

• Vacation & Holidays: Three weeks of paid vacation each calendar year 13 paid holidays
• Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision options
• Sparks Benefits: Nutrition, Fitness, and Education allowance/resources
• Free product: Team members get free product for personal use

What You’ll Own:

• Support and lead projects related to new product development, cost optimization, and quality improvement
• Manage plant trials with Operations—ensuring trial setup, data/sample collection, and timely trial reports
• Participate in pre- and post-trial meetings, finished product evaluations, and shelf-life testing
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality
• Troubleshoot product/processing issues with R&D and Manufacturing Operations to find timely, effective solutions
• Collect, analyze, and interpret project data, maintain detailed records, and prepare reports for cross-functional teams
• Use statistical methods/software tools to analyze experimental results and optimize processes
• Maintain the R&D pilot plant and lab, including equipment maintenance and inventory, while adhering to safety and regulatory standards
• Build strong partnerships and communicate progress/results with cross-functional teams and relevant regulatory bodies
• Ensure compliance with company policies and food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, and other applicable requirements

What Will Make You Successful in This Role

• B.S. degree in Food Science, Science, or Engineering
• 3 years of experience in a similar role in the food manufacturing industry

• Strong understanding of R&D processes and experience delivering projects on time
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
• Independent thinker—able to develop hypotheses and execute analysis plans
• Strong documentation and data analysis capability
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, and continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

If you’re excited to develop and commercialize products from the plant floor—while improving processes, optimizing costs, and partnering cross-functionally—we’d love to hear from you. Apply today R&D Technologist_KettleWorks_Kettle&Fire

Kettle & Fire is an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any protected status