R&D Specialist I (Cheese)

Leprino Foods Company; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Health, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Leprino Foods Company in Denver is seeking a Cheese R&D Specialist I to support product development, laboratory activities, and pilot plant trials. You will prepare samples, organize materials, support product evaluations, and help move research projects from concept through commercialization.

The role offers starting hourly compensation between $22.94 and $24.85 with a 3.5% annual target bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples, organize materials, and document daily project activities.
• Receive, label, store, and organize product samples from facilities and suppliers.
• Prepare ingredients and materials for laboratory, kitchen, and pilot plant trials with accurate records.
• Coordinate sample preparation, evaluations, and shipments to internal teams and customers.
• Assist with bench-top experiments and product demonstrations to support new product development.
• Operate and troubleshoot kitchen and pilot plant equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized laboratory and pilot plant work areas.

Skills

Laboratory support

Food production experience

Microsoft Office

Physical lifting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's in Food Science or Dairy Science

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

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R&D Specialist I (Cheese)

Requisition ID: 32158

No of Openings:

Posted Date: Sep 1, 2026

Job Function: Research & Development

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 $24.85. 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.

Offering You In Return:

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?

Leprino uses Psychemedics for a 90-day hair follicle drug test as a pre‑employment screening tool and also participates in E-Verify. Some positions at the Denver corporate office may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on role and location.Leprinosupports a drug‑free workplace and is an EEO / Affi