Cheese R&D Specalist I

Leprino; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Leprino's Corporate Cheese Division in Denver seeks a Cheese R&D Specialist I to support product development, laboratory activities, and pilot plant trials. You will prepare samples, organize materials, and help advance projects from concept to commercialization.

The role involves bench‑top experiments, equipment operation, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to bring new cheese innovations to market. This position offers hourly pay targets and a 3.5% annual bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years experience in lab, food production, or related technical setting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience handling food products, ingredients, samples, or lab materials.”
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and organize materials for tests.
• Receive, label, and store product samples from facilities and suppliers.
• Prepare ingredients and materials for lab and pilot plant trials; maintain records.
• Coordinate sample preparation, evaluations, and shipments to teams and customers.
• Assist with bench-top experiments and product demonstrations for new product development.
• Operate and troubleshoot kitchen and pilot plant equipment (mixers, ovens, shredders).
• Maintain clean, organized lab and pilot plant areas through sanitation and housekeeping.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Dairy Science / Biology / Chemistry / Culinary Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

Within our Corporate Cheese Division’s R&D team in Denver, Leprino is seeking a Cheese R&D Specialist I to support product development, laboratory activities, and pilot plant trials. In this role, you will prepare samples, organize materials, support product evaluations, and help keep research projects moving efficiently from concept through commercialization. This position plays a hands‑on role in developing new cheese products while ensuring our laboratories and pilot facilities are organized, well‑prepared, and ready for innovation.

At Leprino, starting hourly compensation for this role typically ranges between $22.94 and $25.80. This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

What You’ll Do:

• Support Cheese Research & Development projects by preparing samples, organizing materials, and documenting daily project activities.
• Receive, label, store, and organize product samples from manufacturing facilities and external suppliers.
• Prepare ingredients and materials for laboratory, kitchen, and pilot plant trials while maintaining accurate records.
• Coordinate sample preparation, evaluations, and shipments to internal teams and customers.
• Assist with bench‑top experiments, product demonstrations, and other research activities that support new product development. Join a team that helps bring new cheese innovations to life!
• Operate and troubleshoot kitchen and pilot plant equipment, including mixers, ovens, shredders, and related processing equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized laboratory and pilot plant work areas through routine housekeeping and scheduled sanitation activities.
• Communicate project updates, observations, and opportunities for improvement with the Cheese R&D team and cross‑functional partners.
• Access internal systems and databases to organize project information, product specifications, and sample records.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Quality Assurance, Innovation, Culinary, and Research & Development teams to support project timelines and business priorities. Your contributions will help transform ideas into products enjoyed by customers across the country!

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience supporting laboratory, food production, food preparation, research, product development, or related technical environments.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience preparing, handling, organizing, or documenting food products, ingredients, samples, or laboratory materials.
• The ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine job responsibilities.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• An associate or bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biology, Chemistry, Culinary Science, or a related field.
• Experience in the food, dairy, beverage, or consumer packaged goods industry.
• Experience supporting laboratory, pilot plant, or product development activities.
• Experience operating food processing or laboratory equipment used in research, product development, or pilot‑scale production.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high‑quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit‑Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino’s history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?