Our Client, a Pet Food Manufacturing Company in Cambridge, is seeking a Research & Development (R&D) Technician to join their team.
This is a full-time ongonig temporary role.
Shift: 8 or 9am to 5pm - Monday to Friday
Payrate: $23-25/hr - depending on experience
The Research & Development (R&D) Technician supports the development, improvement, and commercialization of pet food and treat products. This role is responsible for assisting with product formulation, laboratory testing, ingredient evaluations, production trials, and technical documentation while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Food Safety & Quality Responsibility:
The R&D Technician is responsible for supporting the commitment to producing safe, legal, and high-quality pet food products by following all Food Safety, Quality, GMP, HACCP, BRCGS, sanitation, and Health & Safety requirements.
Ensuring product development activities meet regulatory and customer requirements, maintaining accurate documentation, preventing contamination, identifying and reporting food safety or qualityconcerns, and actively participating in food safety training and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with product development activities, including product formulation trials, sample preparation, ingredient evaluations, and product testing.
Conduct laboratory testing and evaluations according to established procedures, specifications, and testingprotocols.
Prepare samples, prototypes, and trial materials for laboratory assessments and production trials.
Support production trials by collecting samples, recording observations, and documenting results.
Maintain accurate laboratory records, testing documentation, project files, and technical documentation.
Follow formulations, SOPs, work instructions, and testing protocols with accuracy and attention to detail.
Perform routine laboratory equipment operation, calibration checks, and maintenance activities as required.
Collect, organize, and summarize testing data to support product evaluations and improvement activities.
Assist with troubleshooting activities by gathering information, conducting assigned testing, and reporting observations.
Identify and communicate product, process, or quality concerns through appropriate channels.
Support continuous improvement activities by identifying opportunities for process, product, and operationalen hancements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Operations, to support R&D activities.
Maintain compliance with food safety, GMP, HACCP, BRCGS, sanitation, and Health & Safety requirements.
Qualifications: Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, Food Technology, or related scientific discipline.
Minimum 1–3 years of experience in a laboratory, research and development, or food/pet food manufacturingenvironment preferred.
Hands-on laboratory experience conducting product testing, sample preparation, and equipment operation.
Experience supporting product development or manufacturing trials is considered an asset.
Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP, BRCGS, and food safety systems is an asset.
Ability to commuincate in Mandarin is an asset.
Skills & Competencies:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Ability to analyze information, troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and make sound recommendations based on data and observations.
Laboratory Skills & Technical Knowledge – Demonstrates proficiency in laboratory procedures, sample preparation,testing methods, equipment operation, and accurate documentation.
Attention to Detail – Maintains accuracy and consistency when following formulations, procedures, testing protocols, and recording results. Initiative & Proactive Approach – Takes ownership of responsibilities, anticipates needs, identifies opportunities for improvement, and follows through on commitments.
Organization & Time Management – Effectively manages multiple priorities, maintains accurate records, tracks project progress, and meets deadlines.
Food Safety & Quality Focus – Understands the importance of GMPs, HACCP, BRCGS, regulatory requirements, and maintaining safe, high-quality products. Communication & Collaboration – Works effectively with R&D, Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Operations teams to achieve shared goals.
Ability to Follow Directions & Execute Processes – Follows established procedures, work instructions, and protocols while ensuring consistent and reliable results. Adaptability & Continuous Improvement Mindset – Embraces change, learns new processes, and actively contributes ideas to improve products and processes. Accountability & Ownership – Takes responsibility for work quality, documentation accuracy, and completion of assigned projects and tasks.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to lift to 25 kg (55 lbs.) occasionally. Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments. Must wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Working Conditions:
Combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing floor environments.
- Exposure to ingredients, dust, allergens, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures typical of a pet food manufacturing facility. Occasional flexibility in working hours may be required to support production trials.
- Compliance: All employees are expected to comply with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employment StandardsAct, and all internal workplace policies, including those relating to food safety, workplace violence and harassment, and attendance.
Pay: $23.00-$25.00 per hour
Experience:
- laboratory, research and development,: 1 year (required)
- Food Manufacturing: 1 year (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
