R&D Technician

Paylocity; Viola (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus Program

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) Plan

PTO

Volunteer Days

Employee Farm Share Program

Gym Reimbursement

Job summary

GoMacro is seeking an R&D Technician to join the team in the lab and pilot area. The role will build and test formulations, evaluate ingredients, and support product launches from concept through commercialization.

The position combines bench-level formulation with analytical testing, sensory evaluation, and inventory coordination, collaborating with Quality, Operations, and Purchasing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; some college coursework preferred.
• One to two years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong math skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Consistent adherence to GMPs and safety procedures in production and lab settings.

Responsibilities

• Support the R&D team on new and existing product development initiatives, including bench-top formulations and operating process equipment.
• Conduct shelf-life studies, run analyses, summarize findings, and present recommendations.
• Use nutritional analysis software to generate Nutrition Facts Panels (NFP) and ingredient statements.
• Contribute creative ideas and new product concepts to support ongoing innovation efforts.
• Manage ingredient and R&D lab supply inventory.
• Maintain documentation for new ingredients.
• Perform lab testing on samples (pH, Aw, moisture, texture, viscosity).
• Perform sensory analysis of ingredients and finished products.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment in R&D.
• Oversee receipt of ingredient and supply shipments from vendors.
• Accurately record formulas, test results, and experimental data.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Math skills

Verbal and written communication

GMPs

Vendor relations

Education

High school diploma

Some college coursework preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Why join the GoMacro team?

We’re a company that is driven by a unique core ideology we call The GoMacro Way, which is based upon authenticity, generosity, and compassion for people and the planet. We operate with integrity, we create with passion, and we conduct ourselves with humility. We seek growth-minded people who are inspired by challenges, encouraged by camaraderie, and excited about being leaders at every level. Become part of a team where everyone is heard, valued, and empowered to influence positive change in their local and global community.

How GoMacro’s history shapes who we are today?

During her 2003 battle with cancer, co-founder Amelia Kirchoff created the first MacroBar® recipe in her kitchen on the Wisconsin family farm. In the years following, Amelia and her daughter and co-founder Jola began spreading awareness for the power of a balanced, plant-based lifestyle through GoMacro’s healthy and delicious MacroBars, which are now available in stores nationwide. Today, our work is still guided by the values upon which Jola and Amelia built GoMacro: Live Long, Eat Positive, Give Back, Tread Lightly, and Be Well. It’s our goal to inspire people to have a healthy body, sharp mind, and bold spirit—and we believe doing fun, and meaningful work is part of that.

Join us as we make the world better, one bite at a time!

Position Description:

The R&D Technician plays a hands‑on role in bringing new GoMacro products to life and improving existing formulations. In this position, the technician will work directly in the R&D lab and pilot area to build and test formulas, evaluate ingredients, and support product launches from concept through commercialization. The role combines bench‑level formulation work with analytical testing, sensory evaluation, and inventory coordination, and offers the opportunity to work closely with cross‑functional teams including Quality, Operations, and Purchasing.

GoMacro encourages creativity in this role and welcomes fresh ideas, giving the technician the opportunity to contribute to new product concepts and help shape the direction of future innovation. This position is well‑suited to a detail‑oriented individual who enjoys both practical lab work and structured documentation, and who wants to grow a career in food product development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the R&D team on new and existing product development initiatives, including executing benchtop formulations and operating process equipment.
• Conduct shelf‑life studies, run associated analyses, summarize findings, and present recommendations.
• Use nutritional analysis software to generate Nutrition Facts Panels (NFP) and ingredient statements.
• Contribute creative ideas and new product concepts to support ongoing innovation efforts.
• Manage ingredient and R&D lab supply inventory.
• Maintain documentation for new ingredients.
• Perform lab testing on samples, including pH, water activity (Aw), moisture, texture, and viscosity.
• Perform sensory analysis of ingredients and finished products.
• Operate and maintain food preparation and packaging equipment in the R&D lab.
• Oversee the receipt of ingredient and supply shipments from vendors.
• Accurately record formulas, test results, and experimental data.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Skills + Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; some college coursework preferred.
• One to two years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong math skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Consistent adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety procedures in production and lab settings.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to taste, smell, and consume food products for sensory evaluation, including products that contain common allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, and soy.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to operate and maintain pilot- and lab‑scale food processing equipment.

Travel Required

• Up to 5% travel

Perks + Benefits:

Great work deserves great rewards. Here is what you can look forward to as part of the GoMacro Team.

• Bonus Program – Annual discretionary bonus plan for all full‑time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time employees.
• 401(k) Plan – 4% company match on employee contributions.
• PTO – Time off package that grows; earn more PTO with continued employment.
• 10 Paid Holidays + 2 Paid "Give Back" Volunteer Days
• Employee Farm Share Program - Fresh produce for our staff in the growing season.
• $50/monthly Gym Reimbursement

...and much more!