R&D Specialist I (Cheese)

Leprino Foods Company•Denver, CO

5d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Within our Corporate Cheese Division’s R&D team in Denver, Leprino is seeking a Cheese R&D Specialist I to support product development, laboratory activities, and pilot plant trials. In this role, you will prepare samples, organize materials, support product evaluations, and help keep research projects moving efficiently from concept through commercialization. This position plays a hands-on role in developing new cheese products while ensuring our laboratories and pilot facilities are organized, well-prepared, and ready for innovation. At Leprino, starting hourly compensation for this role typically ranges between $22.94 and $24.85. This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of experience supporting laboratory, food production, food preparation, research, product development, or related technical environments.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Experience preparing, handling, organizing, or documenting food products, ingredients, samples, or laboratory materials.
The ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

An associate or bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biology, Chemistry, Culinary Science, or a related field.
Experience in the food, dairy, beverage, or consumer packaged goods industry.
Experience supporting laboratory, pilot plant, or product development activities.
Experience operating food processing or laboratory equipment used in research, product development, or pilot-scale production.

Responsibilities

Support Cheese Research & Development projects by preparing samples, organizing materials, and documenting daily project activities.
Receive, label, store, and organize product samples from manufacturing facilities and external suppliers.
Prepare ingredients and materials for laboratory, kitchen, and pilot plant trials while maintaining accurate records.
Coordinate sample preparation, evaluations, and shipments to internal teams and customers.
Assist with bench-top experiments, product demonstrations, and other research activities that support new product development.
Operate and troubleshoot kitchen and pilot plant equipment, including mixers, ovens, shredders, and related processing equipment.
Maintain clean, organized laboratory and pilot plant work areas through routine housekeeping and scheduled sanitation activities.
Communicate project updates, observations, and opportunities for improvement with the Cheese R&D team and cross-functional partners.
Access internal systems and databases to organize project information, product specifications, and sample records.
Collaborate with Product Development, Quality Assurance, Innovation, Culinary, and Research & Development teams to support project timelines and business priorities.