R&D Technologist

Job Title: R&D Technologist

Position Location: Lancaster, PA
Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000

Are you a hands-on R&D professional who loves bringing new food products to life? Kettle &
Fire is hiring a Research and Development Technologist to support new product development,
cost optimization, and commercialization projects directly from our manufacturing facilities,
with a focus on thermally processed low acid foods. This is a full-time, exempt role reporting to
the Sr. Director, R&D Processing, partnering closely with Quality Control, Warehouse, and
Production to ensure R&D work is efficient, cost-effective, and meets best-in-class standards.

Who We Are:
At Kettle & Fire, we are driven by a mission to create products that heal rather than harm,
supporting both our consumers' health and a healthy food system. Our culture is built on a
foundation of core values that guide our work and define our team's identity. We push the
boundaries of what's possible, embracing challenges with a growth mindset. We value radical
candor and transparency, prioritize our customers relentlessly, and own our responsibilities
unequivocally. We focus intently on mission-critical tasks and execute with high-tempo
precision. Our team's success is predicated on each member's commitment to collective goals,
demanding not only individual excellence but a harmonious effort to excel as one cohesive unit.
If you thrive in an environment that values high performance and flexible, results-oriented
outcomes, you might just be the A-player we're looking for.

What We Offer:
Vacation & Holidays: Three weeks of paid vacation each calendar year + 13 paid holidays
Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision options
Sparks Benefits: Nutrition, Fitness, and Education allowance/resources
Free product: Team members get free product for personal use

What You'll Own:
Support and lead projects related to new product development, cost optimization, and
quality improvement
Manage plant trials with Operations—ensuring trial setup, data/sample collection, and
timely trial reports
Participate in pre- and post-trial meetings, finished product evaluations, and shelf-life
testing
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and
enhance product quality
Troubleshoot product/processing issues with R&D and Manufacturing Operations to find
timely, effective solutions
Collect, analyze, and interpret project data, maintain detailed records, and prepare
reports for cross-functional teams
Use statistical methods/software tools to analyze experimental results and optimize
processes
Maintain the R&D pilot plant and lab, including equipment maintenance and inventory,
while adhering to safety and regulatory standards
Build strong partnerships and communicate progress/results with cross-functional teams
and relevant regulatory bodies
Ensure compliance with company policies and food safety standards including GMP,
HACCP, and other applicable requirements

What Will Make You Successful in This Role
B.S. degree in Food Science, Science, or Engineering
3+ years of experience in a similar role in the food manufacturing industry
Strong understanding of R&D processes and experience delivering projects on time
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
Independent thinker—able to develop hypotheses and execute analysis plans
Strong documentation and data analysis capability
Excellent organization, problem-solving, and continuous improvement mindset
Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

If you're excited to develop and commercialize products from the plant floor—while improving
processes, optimizing costs, and partnering cross-functionally—we'd love to hear from you.

Kettle & Fire is an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusion. We welcome
applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any protected status