Job Title: R&D Specialist
Department: Research & Development
Compensation: $60,000 to $70,000 annually
On-site in Big Bend, WI
Love bringing food and nutrition concepts to life? We’re looking for an R&D Specialist who thrives at the intersection of science, creativity, and execution. In this role, you’ll transform customer briefs into scalable, commercially viable ingredient solutions across food, beverage, and nutrition applications.
You’ll own projects from concept through commercialization—translating nutritional targets, cost parameters, and regulatory requirements into functional formulations that perform. This includes hands-on lab development, pilot-scale trials (drying, blending, and application testing), troubleshooting raw material challenges, optimizing formulas for performance and supply continuity, and preparing products for launch. You’ll generate nutrition panels, specifications, and technical documentation while ensuring compliance with U.S. food labeling and dietary supplement regulations (international knowledge is a plus).
Beyond the bench, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Production, Quality, and Warehouse teams to align on timelines and execution. You’ll manage sample requests, support urgent customer needs, maintain ingredient and development inventories, and communicate project updates to both internal stakeholders and external partners. Strong organization and comfort working within ERP and CRM systems are key.
What You Bring:
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Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
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0–3 years of product development experience in food or ingredient manufacturing
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Hands-on lab and/or pilot plant experience
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Experience with dry ingredients and functional formulations
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Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at once
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Working knowledge of food labeling and regulatory requirements
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Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused mindset
If you enjoy fast-paced innovation, solving formulation challenges, and seeing your work move from idea to shelf—this is a role where you can make a real impact.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401(K).
LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.
LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search, LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.