Job Title: Senior Technologist, Product Development (Research and Development)

Location: Orrville, OH
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (minimum 60% in-office, based on business needs) with up to 25% travel

About the Role

As a Senior Technologist in Product Development, you will leverage your scientific and engineering expertise, along with years of experience, to lead product development and qualification efforts for small- to medium-complexity business initiatives. This hands-on role spans the lab, pilot plant, manufacturing floor, and consumer-facing settings. Senior Technologists work independently to design and execute experiments, generate and analyze accurate data, and identify critical observations. You may also provide direction to others and lead cross-functional technical teams to advance projects from concept through execution.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute test plans independently, generating reproducible and reliable data across lab, pilot, and plant settings.

• Summarize key findings, identify unexpected results, and recommend next steps. Investigate problems and discrepancies with minimal external guidance.

• Lead technical readiness for small- to medium-complexity initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered with accuracy and timeliness.

• Communicate results clearly to supervisors, project members, and leadership through presentations, reports, and technical discussions.

• Collaborate effectively across disciplines, functions, and with external vendors.

• Provide mentorship and occasional direction to other technologists or technical staff.

• Support the broader R&D team with additional responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) or higher in Science, Technology, or Engineering.

• 2+ years of product development experience (3+ years preferred). 

• Demonstrated expertise in your technical discipline, with the ability to expand knowledge and skills at higher levels.

• Strong organizational skills with critical thinking and creativity.

• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• Proficiency in establishing and adhering to procedures.

• Commitment to working safely and maintaining high quality standards.

• Strong time management and ability to work under moderate supervision within established processes.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pet food and/or pet snack formulation and product development.

• Familiarity with food processing technologies such as extrusion, baking, or thermal processing.

• Coursework or background in nutrition.