Technician - Benchtop (Research and Development)

Shift Schedule Mon-Fri 12:00pm-8:00pm Who We Are At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet.

IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

What You Will Do

Cleaning and sanitizing pilot plant machinery, equipment parts, and other areas. Processing and cooking raw meat, vegetables, and dry ingredients. Manually loading ingredients and operating machines using a computer terminal and PLC touchscreens . Packaging cooked products in plastic packaging, packing them into boxes, palletizing , and shrink - wrapping.

Removing and disposing of waste and debris. Assisting with various benchtop-scale tests, including careful adherence to testing protocols and SOPs. Assisting with analytical procedures in the benchtop lab to evaluate the quality attributes of raw materials and finished products, record results, and identify trends. Performing duties with a safety-first approach and supporting a “Safety First” culture.

Assisting with the weekly environmental program and master sanitation program. Following all relevant SOPs and corrective action procedures . Following lockout/tagout (LOTO) safety procedures and safety protocols for exposure to hot or pressurized equipment and cleaning chemicals. Completing paperwork related to production schedules, inventory, HACCP plans , and/or quality standards.

Disassembling, reassembling , and performing basic maintenance on processing equipment. Manually lifting and transporting unfinished and finished products during pilot plant trials and TPRs. Organizing incoming shipments of dry and fresh ingredients and finished pet food products. Helping keep the benchtop labs clean and maintaining the supply inventory as needed.

Following established company policies and those outlined in the Employee Handbook. The work week is generally Monday through Friday, from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Development projects may require work outside this timeframe, including nights and weekends. Performing other duties as assigned. How You Will Make an Impact Assist with critical steps in the innovation process for new products, processes, and analytical methodologies.

Organize and maintain a sanitary and safe work environment in the pilot plant and benchtop labs. You will be a key contributor to creating a “New Clean .” Review, update, and follow all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs). Assist in driving training initiatives for operational procedures.

Apply pilot plant experience to refine and contribute to the success of new production lines. Participate in TPRs.

What You Will Bring

A minimum of two years of experience in the food or pet food industry is required. Food manufacturing sanitation experience is preferred. Prior experience in production, sanitation, quality assurance, or a general laboratory setting is preferred. Ability to read and follow procedures and accurately complete benchtop trial summaries and reports.

Physically capable of handling or transporting heavy boxes and ingredients. Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more and to stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the work schedule. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask efficiently. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization. A curious, eager-to-learn mindset and the ability to adapt easily to new opportunities and environments. Ability to respond well to changing project priorities and demonstrate the adaptability and composure necessary to develop new products, processes, and analytical procedures.

Ability to independently carry out assignments and review and communicate data for accuracy and trends. Ability to work with fresh raw meats and other food ingredients. Ability to follow established company policies and those outlined in the Employee Handbook. Must have access to a vehicle to ship and collect parcels.

Must be able to work in a cold environment at 37°F. Willingness and ability to cross - train on all sanitation responsibilities High School Diploma or GED equivalent required Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word. At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!

Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce: Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law (“protected characteristics”).

Disclaimers The salary range provided above is the range of the wages that we will pay for the listed position. A final determination on the wages within this range is based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to the required work location, previous work experience, skill set, and wage rates for comparable positions.

Freshpet is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Freshpet via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Freshpet.

No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Freshpet as a result of the referral or through other means. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.