CTI Technical Services Specialist

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AFB International, part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, seeks a CTI Technical Services Specialist to join the North America CTI team. You will apply scientific expertise in palatant formulations to support growth, customer success, and product innovation across food and feed applications.

You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, and R&D, conduct trials, prepare technical reports, and manage customer interactions from pre-sale to production transitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Nutrition, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in the food or feed ingredient industry.
• Experience in Technical Applications, R&D, or Customer Technical Service.
• Fluent English communication in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide customers with technical expertise related to palatant applications and documentation.
• Conduct laboratory trials, shelf-life assessments, and product safety testing.
• Prepare technical reports and manage product specifications.
• Collaborate with Regulatory, Quality Assurance, and Dry/Wet Portfolio teams to support customer requests.
• Coordinate customer complaint investigations and route issues to appropriate departments.
• Support complex technical inquiries and problem-solving initiatives.
• Manage customer sample shipments and oversee transitions from sample phase to production.
• Develop and maintain team dashboards and technical documentation.
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams to drive project success.
• Work directly with customers to understand operational needs and solve technical challenges.

Skills

Analytical skills

Documentation

Project coordination

English fluency

Education

Food Science/Technology/Nutrition degree

Job description

## CTI Technical Services SpecialistApplylocations: St. Charles, MOtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition id: REQ107534This opportunity is located within our **AFB International** business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption. Click here to learn more.**Job Description**At AFB International, we are passionate about making pet food more enjoyable for pets around the world. As a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability, we develop and manufacture innovative liquid and dry palatability enhancers that help create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats, and supplements.As part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., a privately owned high-technology organization, AFB International operates across North America, Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia, and China — partnering with pet food manufacturers to deliver solutions pets love and pet owners trust.We are currently seeking a **CTI Technical Services Specialist** (level based on experience and education) to join our North America Customer Technical Insights (CTI) team.**About the Role**This is an exciting opportunity for a technically minded, customer-focused professional who enjoys combining science, innovation, and collaboration.As a member of our customer-facing R&D team, you will apply your scientific expertise in palatant formulation to support business growth, customer success, and product innovation. You’ll collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, and R&D teams while partnering directly with customers to solve technical challenges and develop tailored solutions.In this role, you will report to the **Head of Customer Technical Insights – North America** and have opportunities to:* Work on global and regional customer projects* Present at industry conferences* Support customer visits alongside Sales teams* Influence future product and technology development**Why Join AFB International?**Our CTI teams span North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, giving this role a truly global perspective. We foster a collaborative, science-driven environment where innovation, customer insight, and teamwork drive success.You’ll be part of a company that:* Encourages cross-functional collaboration* Values scientific curiosity and innovation* Supports professional growth and development* Operates at the forefront of pet food technology**Key Responsibilities*** Provide customers with technical expertise related to palatant applications and documentation* Conduct laboratory trials, shelf-life assessments, and product safety testing* Prepare technical reports and manage product specifications* Collaborate internally with Regulatory, Quality Assurance, and Dry/Wet Portfolio teams to support customer requests* Coordinate customer complaint investigations and route issues to appropriate departments* Support complex technical inquiries and problem-solving initiatives* Manage customer sample shipments and oversee transitions from sample phase to production* Develop and maintain team dashboards and technical documentation* Partner with interdisciplinary teams to drive project success* Work directly with customers to understand operational needs and solve technical challenges**What We’re Looking For****Qualifications*** Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in **Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Nutrition**, or related field* 3+ years of experience in the food or feed ingredient industry* Experience in Technical Applications, R&D, or Customer Technical Service* Fluent English communication skills and comfort working in an international environment**Skills & Competencies*** Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities* Excellent organizational and documentation skills* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment* Collaborative mindset with strong teamwork and networking skills* Customer-focused approach with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset* Strong communication and presentation skills* Comfortable working cross-functionally with Sales and R&D teams**Ready to Make an Impact?**If you are passionate about science, customer collaboration, and innovation in the pet food industry, we’d love to hear from you.Join AFB International and help shape the future of pet nutrition — one great-tasting product at a time.*AFB International* *is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.*