Job details

Research & Development Technician

Company Description: Instinct® is a rapidly growing, family-owned marketer and manufacturer of natural pet foods for dogs and cats. Instinct® is the Raw Brand, with a mission to get more raw nutrition into every bowl of dogs and cats, for proven healthier and happier long life. Our company mission is to Empower people to transform the lives of pets. We are committed to hiring and developing a team of passionate, performance-oriented professionals who love to win and make a positive difference.

Position Summary: As Research & Development Technician, the responsibilities involve assisting with plant trials, collecting, organizing, and reporting data from trials. The role also includes submitting samples for nutritional analysis, assisting with product shelf-life testing, along with ingredient and product evaluation. This individual will work cross functionally to write specifications for new products, new raw materials, and manage existing specifications.

This position is for full-time employment, working up to 50 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

Write product and ingredient specifications.
Assist with plant trials for new products. This includes new formulation, renovation of existing products, evaluating new ingredients, or testing new processing equipment.
Collect samples and data throughout test runs.
Organize data and analytical reports.
Submit product samples to designated laboratories for testing.
Conduct benchtop test to evaluate product attributes.

Physical Requirements:

Position involves work performed in a manufacturing environment with temperatures of 40 -50 F.
Position involves Lifting of up to 40# to perform analysis or during product trials.

Personal Attributes:

Must be punctual and dependable to ensure job requirements are met.
Ability to work individually as well as with others across all levels.
Excellent attention to detail.
Must be well organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to use independent judgment to make decisions and solve problems.
High integrity and ability to exercise good judgment.
Strong execution orientation with the ability to take the lead when required.

Skills and Technical Expertise:

Understanding of food safety including GMP’s, SOP’s and HACCP.
Understanding of product development and food manufacturing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word.
Basic math, computer, and time management skills.

Preferred Experience

BS Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or Animal Science is preferred.
Equivalent education or work experience can be substituted.

Travel Requirements

Local travel between the Instinct facilities in Lincoln, NE

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive compensation package includes health and dental insurance, life and AD&D insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, short and long-term disability, paid time off, Purpose Days off for company partner volunteer opportunities, and 401k with company match

Our Instinct is to CHAMPION Diversity

At Instinct, we are as passionate about our people as we are about the pets we call family. We are committed to inclusion, empowerment, and respect. We believe that just like our pets, what sets us apart unleashes our greatest strengths. We thrive on the ability to not only empower people to transform the lives of pets through raw nutrition, but also to empower each other to inspire a culture that celebrates our differences. Our unique approach to pet food is what makes us who we are as a company, and our individual identities are what makes us a successful, innovative, authentic team.

Instinct Glassdoor Company Review

4.4

Instinct DE&I Review

4.6

CEO of Instinct

Neil Thompson

Approve of CEO

By Instinct

Our purpose – the reason behind everything we do – is to empower people to transform the lives of pets. And to lead a movement toward better pet health.

15 jobs

INDUSTRY

Consumer Product Manufacturing

TEAM SIZE

201-500

LOCATION

Hybrid, based in Saint Louis, MO

DATE POSTED

April 15, 2023