Food Scientist

Thrive Freeze Dry; Oak Creek (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet food manufacturer in Oak Creek, WI is seeking a Food Scientist to lead product development for freeze-dried pet food. The role involves oversight of formulation and process innovation while collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates should possess a degree in Food Science and have experience in pet food manufacturing, especially with freeze-dried products. This position emphasizes project management and strong communication skills within an innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in pet food or food manufacturing.
• 1+ years in freeze-dried or low-moisture foods preferred.
• Strong understanding of AAFCO/FDA/USDA regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and process innovation for freeze-dried pet food.
• Oversee trials and freeze-drying processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product feasibility.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Knowledge of pet nutrition

Understanding of food safety principles

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s in Food Science

Tools

Freeze-drying equipment

HACCP

Job description

Food Scientist – Pet Food R&D

Lead product development and process innovation for all freeze‑dried pet food initiatives. Drive formulation, freeze‑dry process design, and cross‑functional coordination to bring new products from concept to commercialization. Serve as the primary R&D contact for all pet‑related projects, supporting plant trials across multiple facilities and collaborating closely with procurement, operations, quality, and sales teams.

Responsibilities

• Innovation Pipeline: Lead ideation and execution of new product initiatives aligned with company strategy, market trends, and customer insights.
• Freeze‑Dry Expertise: Oversee trials and creation/optimization of freeze‑drying processes for raw and occasional cooked ingredients.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work with procurement, quality, operations, and sales & marketing teams to ensure product feasibility, cost targets, manufacturability, and brand alignment.
• Regulatory & Nutritional Compliance: Ensure all formulations meet or exceed AAFCO, FDA (if applicable), and other relevant regulations and nutritional standards.
• Technical Documentation & Shelf‑Life Studies: Oversee technical documentation, design and lead shelf‑life and stability studies.
• Supplier & Ingredient Vetting: Evaluate new ingredients and suppliers for functional, nutritional, and safety performance, and develop sourcing specifications.
• Team Development: Build and mentor a high‑performing pet food committee within the R&D team.
• Travel & Cross‑Site Support: Frequent domestic and occasional international travel for plant trials, pilot runs, onboarding new products.
• Human Food Support (As Needed): Support limited human food R&D projects as needed.
• Ownership of Pet R&D: Serve as the primary point of contact for all freeze‑dried pet food R&D projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Meat Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in pet food or food manufacturing; 1+ years in freeze‑dried or low‑moisture foods preferred.
• In‑depth knowledge of pet nutrition (dog and cat), ingredient functionality, and AAFCO/FDA/USDA regulatory guidelines.
• Strong understanding of freeze‑drying equipment, HACCP, and food safety principles.
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Passion for animal health and wellness through science‑based nutrition.

Physical Requirements

• Travel Required up to 50%, both domestic and international.
• Consistent and reliable attendance.
• Typical office environment with sitting at a workstation for entire shift.
• Extensive typing and computer use for entire shift.
• Occasional lifting of 25–50 lbs.
• Standing and moving around on a semi‑frequent basis for an entire shift.

Product Safety & Quality

• Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety, quality, and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Hold self and others accountable to Thrive Freeze Dry food safety, quality, & sanitation guidelines and communicate any food safety or quality incident.
• Adhere to and ensure Product Safety and Quality standards are followed.
• Adhere to and ensure GMP’s regarding food contact packaging as it pertains to the employee.
• Adhere to and ensure Thrive’s food safety, product defense standards and quality objectives comply with all SQF system requirements.

Senior Level

• Associate

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Science and Manufacturing

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing