Purpose:

The R&D; Specialist supports product development, innovation, and continuous improvement at Cambridge Treats. The role applies food science and technical expertise to develop and optimize pet treats that meet quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, customer expectations, cost, and manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate brings a curious, analytical, and resourceful mindset, with a proven ability to work through complex technical challenges and find practical solutions.

This is a hands-on technical role that works across laboratory and manufacturing environments. The R&D; Specialist is responsible for taking projects from initial concept and formulation through testing, scale-up, commercialization, and ongoing optimization. The position uses scientific principles, data analysis, structured experimentation, and practical problem-solving to identify solutions and support successful product launches and improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Innovation

- Develop, test, and optimize new and existing pet treat formulations and processes.
- Translate product concepts and technical requirements into practical formulations and manufacturing processes.
- Conduct laboratory, bench-scale, pilot, and manufacturing-scale trials to evaluate product and process feasibility.
- Evaluate product characteristics including texture, palatability, appearance, stability, yield, quality, and cost.
- Troubleshoot formulation, processing, quality, and manufacturing challenges using structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
- Research and evaluate ingredient functionality, processing technologies, suppliers, and emerging industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Analyze trial results and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Develop and maintain accurate formulas, specifications, nutritional information, processing parameters, trial records, and technical documentation.
- Manage multiple projects and timelines while communicating progress, risks, and technical challenges.
- Maintain an awareness of developments in pet food, pet nutrition, food science, ingredients, and relevant manufacturing technologies.

Documentation & Technical Data

- Develop, maintain, and update accurate formulas, product specifications, nutritional information, processing parameters, and technical documentation.
- Maintain complete and organized records of laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing trials.
- Document trial objectives, procedures, results, conclusions, and recommendations in a consistent manner.
- Ensure technical information is communicated accurately to the appropriate departments.
- Support the preparation and maintenance of documentation required for product development, commercialization, regulatory compliance, and customer requirements.
- Build effective working relationships across departments and contribute technical expertise to cross-functional initiatives.

Food Safety & Quality

- Support product development and reformulation while meeting food safety and quality standards.




- Participate in product and process risk assessments and identify potential food safety and quality risks associated with new or modified products.
- Support HACCP, BRCGS, regulatory, customer, and third-party audit requirements applicable to R&D; activities.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Food Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in food, pet food, or pet treat R&D;, product development, or food manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience with formulation, pilot-scale trials, scale-up, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with extrusion, meat processing, thermal processing, or other relevant food manufacturing technologies is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of ingredient functionality, pet nutrition, AAFCO guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Experience with experimental design, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.

Skills & Abilities:

- Strong technical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understanding of food science, ingredient functionality, formulation principles, and food manufacturing processes.
- Ability to design and execute practical experiments and interpret trial results.
- Ability to identify relationships between formulation, processing conditions, product characteristics, and manufacturing performance.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Creative, curious, and solutions oriented.
- Able to manage multiple priorities and changing timelines.
- Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working through technical challenges.
- Demonstrates a robust commitment to product quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

About Cambridge Treats: Cambridge Treats Inc. is a Canadian manufacturer of high-quality pet treats, specializing in innovative OEM and ODM solutions. Located in Cambridge, Ontario, we combine more than 25 years of private-label manufacturing experience with quality ingredients, science-based nutrition, innovative product development, and rigorous food safety standards.

Our success is built on quality, partnership, innovation, integrity, sustainability, flexibility, and a passion for pets. As our business and manufacturing operations continue to grow, we are committed to creating a collaborative and inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, develop their skills, and take pride in the work they do.

At Cambridge Treats, we believe that great products start with great people. We work together to continuously improve, uphold high standards, and deliver products our customers and their pets can trust.

What We Offer:

Join Cambridge Treats at an exciting stage of growth and be part of building a new manufacturing operation from the ground up.



As a full time employee, you’ll have the opportunity to grow with the business while enjoying:

- Growth Opportunities
- Competitive Benefits
- Full-Time Employment
- Casual-Dress Work Environment
- Free In office Parking

Our Commitment: At Cambridge Treats, we are committed to building an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and business needs, without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable legislation.

Cambridge Treats is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or selection process, please let us know. We will work with you to understand your needs and provide reasonable accommodation where required.

Cambridge Treats may use artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including application screening and candidate assessment.

Join Our Team:

If you’re ready to bring your skills and experience to Cambridge Treats, we encourage you to apply by clicking “Apply Now.” We’re always looking for talented, motivated individuals who want to be part of a growing team and contribute to what we do.

If this opportunity isn’t the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other career opportunities. There may be another role where your skills and experience can make an impact.

Application Process:

We appreciate the interest of all applicants who take the time to apply for opportunities with Cambridge Treats. Due to the volume of applications we receive, only candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

Position Status:

Replacement: Please note that this position is being filled as a replacement for an existing role.

Job Posting:

This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations of the role. It is intended to provide an overview of the position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities. Responsibilities may evolve over time based on business needs, operational priorities, and organizational changes.

Pay: $70,000.00-$85,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Application question(s):
- Do you have hands-on experience with extrusion systems, meat processing technologies, or other thermal-processing equipment? If yes, how many years?
- Do you have hands-on experience with formulation, pilot-scale trials, scale-up, and manufacturing processes.

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
- Food or Pet Food R&D;: 3 years (required)

Language:
- Mandarin (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 R&D Specialist – Pet Treat Innovation (Cambridge)
🏢 Cambridge Treats
📍 Cambridge