Product Development Specialist (R&D)
hace 5 días
Ontario
Job Description Job Summary Hao’s Global Pet Nutrition, Inc. is seeking a knowledgeable, innovative, and results-oriented Product Development Specialist (R&D) to support the creation, refinement, and successful commercialization of pet food products. This position plays an important role in transforming new product concepts into commercially viable solutions through ingredient research, formulation design, product testing, manufacturing evaluations, and process improvements. The successful candidate will apply scientific principles and practical manufacturing knowledge to develop products that meet quality, food safety, nutritional, cost, and performance objectives. Working collaboratively with Research & Development, Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and international technical partners, the Product Development Specialist will help advance product innovation, resolve technical challenges, and establish reliable manufacturing practices. This opportunity is ideal for a technically skilled professional who enjoys hands-on experimentation, collaborative problem-solving, and contributing to the development of a growing pet food manufacturing operation. Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes Product Innovation & Formulation Development • Develop, evaluate, and refine pet food formulations based on nutritional objectives, ingredient functionality, product performance, and business requirements., • Research and assess ingredient alternatives, emerging technologies, and formulation improvements to enhance product quality, consistency, and cost efficiency., • Prepare laboratory samples, prototypes, and experimental formulations for internal evaluation and product development initiatives., • Conduct product assessments involving appearance, texture, stability, processing characteristics, and other relevant quality attributes. Product Testing & Commercialization • Design and execute laboratory experiments, pilot-scale evaluations, and production trials to determine product feasibility and manufacturing readiness., • Support the progression of approved formulations from initial development through production validation and commercial introduction., • Evaluate trial results, identify opportunities for refinement, and recommend modifications to improve product performance and manufacturing reliability., • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure product specifications and production requirements are accurately communicated and implemented. Manufacturing Process Development & Technical Support • Evaluate and refine processing methods involving ingredient preparation, blending, filling, thermal treatment, cooling, and packaging., • Assist with establishing appropriate processing conditions to support product integrity, operational efficiency, and consistent manufacturing outcomes., • Investigate technical issues related to formulation behavior, ingredient interactions, product stability, processing variability, and production performance., • Provide practical technical assistance during equipment evaluations, manufacturing trials, production startups, and process improvement activities. Cross-Functional Project Collaboration • Coordinate with Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Engineering, and other business functions to support product development objectives and manufacturing requirements., • Participate in project planning, technical discussions, and implementation activities to ensure development milestones are achieved., • Assess ingredient suitability, manufacturing capabilities, product costs, and technical feasibility when evaluating new or modified products., • Communicate project progress, experimental findings, technical recommendations, and potential challenges to relevant stakeholders. International Technical Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer • Work closely with Wanpy’s Research & Development team and technical specialists to exchange product information, manufacturing knowledge, and development practices., • Assist in adapting existing formulations, technical procedures, and product specifications to meet U.S. manufacturing capabilities and applicable regulatory requirements., • Participate in technical reviews, training activities, and collaborative development projects with international partners., • Support the transfer of product and process knowledge to local manufacturing personnel to strengthen internal technical expertise. Technical Documentation & Quality Compliance • Prepare and maintain detailed development records, formulation specifications, trial summaries, experimental results, and technical reports., • Support controlled documentation practices, including formula revisions, product specifications, process updates, and technical change records., • Work with Quality Assurance and Food Safety personnel to support compliance with applicable FDA regulations, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), preventive controls, and other relevant pet food manufacturing standards., • Protect confidential technical information, proprietary formulations, and intellectual property in accordance with company policies., • Present technical findings and project recommendations clearly through written reports, meetings, and other appropriate communication channels. Continuous Improvement & Technical Capability Development • Identify opportunities to improve product consistency, manufacturing efficiency, ingredient utilization, and overall product performance., • Support investigations into product deviations, manufacturing concerns, and technical challenges by recommending practical corrective improvements., • Contribute to the development of standardized testing procedures, technical resources, and product development practices., • Provide technical guidance and knowledge-sharing support to production personnel during product introductions and process changes., • Assist in building the facility’s long-term product development and technical problem-solving capabilities. Education, Experience & Credentials • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Meat Science, Food Engineering, Food Technology, or a related discipline., • Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in food or pet food research and development, formulation, or process development., • Demonstrated experience conducting product trials and supporting commercialization from development through full-scale manufacturing., • Working knowledge of ingredient functionality, formulation principles, thermal processing, and manufacturing operations., • Familiarity with applicable U.S. animal food safety, manufacturing, and labeling regulations., • Experience developing fresh, refrigerated, wet, canned, or meat-based pet food products., • Knowledge of shelf-life evaluation, product stability, and manufacturing process validation., • Experience collaborating with international technical teams or supporting new manufacturing facility startups., • Familiarity with FDA animal food regulations, including 21 CFR Part 507., • Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese to facilitate communication with international R&D partners; not required. Competencies • Scientific & Technical Knowledge: Applies formulation principles, ingredient science, and manufacturing knowledge to product development challenges., • Analytical Problem-Solving: Evaluates technical information, identifies root causes, and recommends practical solutions supported by available evidence., • Project Execution: Organizes development activities, manages competing priorities, and completes assigned deliverables within established timelines., • Collaboration & Teamwork: Builds effective working relationships across technical, operational, and international teams., • Communication Skills: Clearly communicates technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to diverse audiences., • Accuracy & Documentation: Maintains organized, complete, and reliable technical records with strong attention to detail., • Adaptability & Innovation: Demonstrates curiosity, flexibility, and a continuous improvement mindset in a developing manufacturing environment., • Hands-On Technical Support: Willingly participates in laboratory activities, manufacturing trials, and production-floor problem-solving., • Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English with U.S. employees, suppliers, and business partners. Mandarin Chinese proficiency is preferred, but not required, to facilitate collaboration with international technical teams. Physical and Work Environment Requirements • This position is performed on-site at a pet food manufacturing and product development facility in Ontario and Victorville, California., • Work involves a combination of laboratory activities, office-based technical responsibilities, and regular presence in manufacturing and production areas., • May require prolonged periods of standing, walking, and performing hands-on product evaluations or manufacturing trials., • May involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, varying temperatures, production noise, raw ingredients, and sanitation chemicals used within the facility., • Must follow established workplace safety procedures, food safety practices, sanitation requirements, and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines. Compensation and Benefits Annual Base Salary: 85,000–90,000, depending on qualifications, relevant experience, and technical expertise. Hao’s Global Pet Nutrition, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional growth, and long-term financial security. Benefits include: • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options., • Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions, subject to plan terms., • Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and paid time off benefits in accordance with company policy., • Paid Holidays: Company-observed paid holidays, subject to eligibility and applicable law., • Professional Development: Opportunities to expand technical expertise, participate in cross-functional initiatives, and contribute to the growth of the company's U.S. operations. Compensation and benefits are subject to applicable company policies, plan eligibility requirements, and governing laws. Scientific Precision. Lifelong Devotion. Leading Pet Nutrition. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Hao’s Global Pet Nutrition Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, California, and local laws.