R&D Sample Technician

Department: QA

Location:

Manitowoc, WI, US, 54220

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people’s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together – valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

Lakeside Foods is seeking an R&D Sample Technician to support our Research & Development team by preparing product samples, assisting with laboratory and plant trial activities, and maintaining accurate records. This entry-level role plays a vital part in supporting product development, customer presentations, and internal evaluations.

What You'll Get

Comprehensive Benefits:

A choice of three quality affordable healthcare coverage options
Vision coverage
Dental coverage
Health savings account with employer contribution/flexible spending accounts
Retirement planning including Profit Sharing and 401(k) match
Company-provided life, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance
Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days and holidays

What You’ll Do

Prepare food product samples according to specifications for internal testing, customer requests, and plant trials
Organize, label, store, and maintain sample inventory
Support R&D team members during plant trials by gathering materials, documenting observations, and collecting data
Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory and sample preparation areas
Accurately record sample preparation details in logs and databases
Assist with basic measurements, weighing, and mixing of ingredients as directed
Communicate sample needs, timelines, and updates with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams
Support label review activities, including ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and formatting checks
Assist with nutritional reviews by verifying data entry and checking calculations against specifications
Help maintain documentation to support FDA, USDA, and labeling compliance

What You’ll Bring

Required:

High School Diploma or equivalent
Attention to detail and commitment to quality
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred:

Associate degree in Food Science or a related field
Prior experience in food handling, laboratory work, or a manufacturing environment

Skills & Abilities

Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills
Effective communication and teamwork capabilities
Basic math and measurement skills
Willingness to follow food safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines
Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and adapt in a fast-paced environment

Where You’ll Work

This position is based at Lakeside Foods’ corporate location in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. While much of the work takes place in a laboratory or office environment, the role also includes regular visits to production and packaging facilities.

You may experience typical food manufacturing conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, moisture, and slippery surfaces. Occasional travel to Lakeside facilities may be required.

Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities