Overview
Research And Development Specialist Jobs in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada at LM Quality Staffing Inc.
Title: Research And Development Specialist
Company: LM Quality Staffing Inc.
Location: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Position Summary
The R&D Developer is responsible for developing, testing, and commercializing new pet treat products (both branded and private label)—including soft‑baked treats, biscuits, functional chews, and emerging formats. This role supports the Sr. R&D Specialist in executing formulation work, conducting benchtop and pilot trials, managing documentation, and ensuring products meet nutritional, regulatory, quality, and manufacturing requirements.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate and uphold company Core Values
- Formulate new pet treat products including soft‑baked treats, rotary‑molded biscuits, semi‑moist treats, and functional chews or any other market trend as needed.
- Modify and optimize existing formulas for cost, performance, palatability, and processing efficiency.
- Strong understanding of ingredient functionality (flours, fibers, proteins, humectants, antioxidants). Knowledge of clean‑label ingredient systems and natural preservation.
- Works in conjunction with Sr. R&D Specialist fulfil product design requirements for PL customers
- Conduct benchtop trials, scale‑up tests, and pilot plant runs.
- Plans & executes plant trials. Use results to make recommendations and actionable next steps. Contribute in commissioning and First Production runs.
- Assist in establishing processing parameters for mixing, forming, rotary molding, baking, drying, and cooling, and packaging.
- Troubleshoot dough consistency, machinability, bake profiles, and moisture control.
- Work closely with production teams to ensure smooth scale‑up and commercialization.
- Measure and track key product attributes including moisture, water activity (Aw), density, texture, and bake color.
- Conduct shelf‑life studies, stability testing, and packaging evaluations.
- Maintain accurate formulation records, batch sheets, and trial reports.
- Work with QA to ensure products meet safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
- Partner with Operations to optimize manufacturability and reduce waste.
- Support Procurement by identifying new raw materials and evaluating suppliers.
- Collaborate with Marketing to translate concepts into feasible products.
- Create and maintain product specifications, SOPs, and formulation documents.
- Ensure compliance with AAFCO, CFIA, FDA, and internal regulatory requirements.
- Prepare samples and documentation for customer presentations and internal reviews.
- Other duties as required
Reporting Relationships:
The position reports directly to Sr. R&D Specialist. No positions report to the R&D Developer.
Education & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, Animal Science or Nutrition
- Must have proven experience with product development/R&D (2-3 years) in the Pet Food/Snack category. Pet Food experience is preferred.
Skills & Abilities:
- Experience with rotary molding, extrusion, or bakery processes is a strong asset.
- Familiarity with SAP, MDG.
- Deliver results in context of time and budget constraints
- Ability to take OWNERSHIP and prioritize workload
- PASSIONATE and brings enthusiasm to everything we do
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Desire for career growth and personal skill development
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and AGILITY
Please send your resume to us at [email protected]
We appreciate all expressions of interest. Please note, however, that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
