The Pet Food Formulation Specialist is responsible for supporting the research, formulation, development, testing, and continuous improvement of Carnivore Meat Company's pet food products, treats, supplements, and ingredient technologies. This role works closely with Research & Development, Quality Assurance, Operations, Procurement, and Innovation teams to develop products that meet nutritional, regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.

Participates in product development from concept through commercialization by reviewing product trials, validating formulations, evaluating ingredients, documenting technical specifications, and supporting manufacturing scale-up activities. 

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Assist in the research, formulation, development, and improvement of pet food products, treats, supplements, and ingredients.
• Participate in product development trials, pilot plant testing, and manufacturing validations to support new product commercialization.
• Evaluate ingredients, raw materials, processing methods, and packaging solutions for functionality, quality, cost, and manufacturability.
• Prepare and maintain product formulations, technical specifications, ingredient documentation, and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure product formulations perform effectively during commercial manufacturing.
• Support laboratory testing, product evaluations, nutritional analysis, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluations.
• Analyze product performance data and recommend formulation or process improvements that enhance quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Assist with product cost analysis by evaluating ingredient alternatives and manufacturing impacts.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure products comply with AAFCO, FDA, USDA, FSMA, GMP, and labeling requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers, ingredient manufacturers, laboratories, and external partners to evaluate new technologies and product opportunities.
• Prepare technical reports, product documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Enforce all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, sanitation, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Identify and escalate food safety and quality concerns in accordance with Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) requirements.
•  Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, Animal Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field (Required).
• Master's degree or Certificate Program in Companion Animal Nutrition or Food/Feed Formulation (Preferred). 
• Minimum 2 years of experience in food science, product development, research and development, quality assurance, or food manufacturing required.
• Experience within pet food, food manufacturing, meat processing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries (Preferred).
• Knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, processing technologies, and formulation development (Required).
• Experience working with AAFCO, FDA, USDA, FSMA, GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations (Preferred).
• Experience conducting laboratory testing, product validation, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluations (Preferred).
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office applications, ERP systems, and laboratory management software (Preferred).

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate strong scientific knowledge and technical problem-solving abilities.
• Possess a solid understanding of food science, ingredient functionality, product formulation, and manufacturing processes.
• Analyze technical data and laboratory results to support product development and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail while maintaining accurate technical documentation.
• Communicate effectively with Research & Development, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams.
• Effectively manage multiple product development projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications, laboratory software, ERP systems, and analytical tools proficiently.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify problems and execute effective, data-driven solutions without requiring constant oversight.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with a proven ability to navigate ambiguous situations.
• Exercise professionalism, integrity, accountability, and sound scientific judgment in all aspects of the role.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.