Description

Our client, a manufacturing company located in the Cambridge, ON area, is looking for an R&D Specialist to join their team.

What you will do in this role:

  • Lead the formulation and development of new pet treats
  • Conduct bench-top experiments, pilot-scale runs, and scale-up trials
  • Optimize product attributes including texture, palatability, stability, and cost.
  • Collaborate with production, QA, and procurement teams to ensure smooth commercialization and technical feasibility.
  • Research and evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and market trends to support continuous innovation.
  • Prepare technical documentation, including formulas, SOPs, nutritional profiles, and processing parameters.
  • Ensure full regulatory compliance with CFIA, FDA, AAFCO, and other relevant food safety and labelling standards.
  • Communicate effectively within cross-functional teams and with domestic and international suppliers.

What you will bring to the role:

  • Master’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Engineering, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, or related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of industry experience in food or pet food R&D.
  • Hands-on experience with extrusion systems, meat processing technologies, or other thermal-processing equipment.
  • Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, pet nutrition, and food safety standards.
  • Proven ability to design experiments, troubleshoot formulation challenges, and manage pilot-scale production.
  • Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with AAFCO formulation guidelines and pet treat regulatory compliance.
  • Knowledge of plant-based proteins, novel functional ingredients, or emerging processing technologies.
  • Previous experience collaborating with suppliers or manufacturers in North America or Asia.

What our client is offering:

  • A competitive salary and full medical/health benefits for the employee and their family.
  • The chance to join a growing company with a great work environment.

If you feel that this role would be a good fit for you, please submit your resume today in MS Word format – Don’t forget to include your accomplishments and achievements.