R & D Technician - Pet Food Products

COMPANY SUMMARY (“Who are we?”)

We are The Honest Kitchen. We’re a team of pet-obsessed foodies, who put our heart and soul into our work – making a line of human-grade whole foods, treats, and supplements for dogs and cats. We’re a rapidly growing business that is a proud B Corp, (which is a legal corporate structure that allows us to operate and make decisions based upon a triple bottom line, factoring in social and environmental impacts right alongside our prioritization of long-term financial sustainability!). We were also named one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work for 6 straight years and certified as a Great Place to Work!

We strive for an inclusive work culture that supports a diverse array of skills, experiences, and perspectives our employees bring to the table. For us, differences are a source of strength. We celebrate strong performance and ethical processes, and we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where all employees can innovate and thrive. Here, you will not only build your career, but you will also uncover new experiences and collaborate with passionate colleagues.

The Honest Kitchen values a diverse workforce. Everyone, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA community are strongly encouraged to apply. The Honest Kitchen believes that an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re looking for candidates who can expand our business culture by bringing their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to provide all qualified candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.

POSITION SUMMARY (“What are we looking for?”)

We are seeking a dedicated R&D Technician to provide direct support to our Senior R&D Manager and Product team, reporting directly to the Senior R&D Manager. This full-time role involves hands-on bench top trials, meticulous and organized data collection, and active assistance in research and product development. You will play a vital role in generating reliable and accurate data, crucial for supporting our product development initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Trial Work:
• Communicate and organize trial test plans with appropriate teams, including Co-Manufacturers.
• Coordinate with supply chain to ensure delivery of ingredients/ and components needed for successful and on time trials.
• Accurately read and interpret formulation instructions to prepare for trials and sampling, including ingredient ratios, processing steps, and specific requirements for mixing, and processing
  
  

• Assist in bench top trials, including operating and cleaning processing equipment and collecting samples for analysis
• Keeping accurate records of all processing steps, including equipment settings, processing times, and any deviations from the protocol
• Prepare samples for analysis, including portioning, packaging, labeling and storage
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and others
• Data Collection and Analysis:
• Accurately record and organize experimental data and observations
• Analyze and interpret data, including statistical analysis and data visualization
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing experimental findings
• Assist in the development of experimental protocols and methodologies
• Product Development:
• Assist in the formulation and development of new pet food products
• Participate in product studies, sensory evaluations and consumer testing
• Provide data and documentation support for commercialization of gate approved products
• Project Support:
• Assist in the execution of research projects, including literature reviews, competitive product analysis, and patent searches
• Collaborate effectively with other members of the Company and external partners, including scientists, quality, co-manufacturers, and technicians
• Work cross collaboratively to provide support data and documentation for product launch and product renovations
• Maintain accurate records of all research activities

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate's degree in Animal Science, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in the food industry
• Skills:
• Knowledge of food processing techniques.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory and processing equipment.
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation principles.
• Attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and protocols.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies
• Strong laboratory skills, including accurate weighing, measuring, and sample labeling
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Basic understanding of statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety protocols

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy objects
• Ability to perform repetitive motions
  
  

Work Environment:

• This is a remote position, with some required travel to co-manufacturers, company, and industry events
  
  

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE HONEST KITCHEN (“What do we offer?”)

We offer a competitive compensation package, including salary and robust employee benefits. Some key highlights include:

• Time off: We offer a highly competitive time off schedule, including unlimited vacation and additional sick time, in addition to a generous company-paid holiday schedule
• Benefits: Various health insurance plans with generous employer contributions to premiums. We also offer vision, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, critical illness, an employee assistance program, and an FSA/HSA
• Financial wellness: Enjoy perks like a company 401K with an employer match
• Mission Driven: Employees can take up to 40 hours of volunteer time a year, and we offer donation matching to non-profit organizations of your choosing
• Pet Friendly: Pet-friendly offices, zoom calls, discounts on pet insurance, and of course, free pet food!
• Collaborative Team: We offer a fun, team-oriented work environment where you feel like you are making a difference every day
  
  

As a Public Benefit Corporation, our company's practices and outputs are assessed and evaluated across five categories: Governance, Workers, Community, The Environment, and Customers. We track our social and environmental impact over time and publicly disclose our performance in our annual impact report.

As an employee of a Certified B Corp, it is required that in performing your role, you factor social and environmental impacts into decision-making and actions as they pertain to your role with The Honest Kitchen, so as to ensure that our actions make a positive impact where possible.

The salary range for this role is $24.00/hour - $26.00/hour.

• The Honest Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer. The Company’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, religious creed (which includes religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status
  
  

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