R&D Technologist

R&D Technologist

Murray River Pet Food specialises in high-quality pet food manufacturing. A forward-thinking regional organisation, we are a dynamic Australian owned business leading the manufacturing industry.

We use state of the art air-drying technology to manufacture premium Australian pet food and treats for both private label and own brand lines. Murray River Pet Food is constantly researching and developing new processes to ensure our products are top quality, ground-breaking and accessible to the wholesale and retail markets and have recently implemented a multi million-dollar upgrade to our facility.

About the Role:

You will help turn product briefs into pet-ready solutions – ensuring products meet sensory, quality, regulatory and manufacturing requirements – while building strong technical foundations through accurate specifications and documentation.

What You Will Do:

• Deliver product development and improvement projects in line with briefs, timelines and change management processes
• Design, execute and report on bench, pilot and factory trials, including shelf life and nutritional testing
• Own scale-up and implementation of product development from trials through to launch and continuous improvement
• Ensure products meet sensory standards, consumer acceptance criteria, quality, regulatory and manufacturing requirements
• Deliver clear, timely communication to stakeholders on project progress, risks and mitigation plans
• Maintain accurate technical documentation including specifications, trial reports, ERP data and approval records
• Own artwork briefs and specifications, including ingredients, claims and nutritional panels in line with AS5812 and other regulatory requirements
• Partner closely with Operations, Quality and Commercial teams to deliver outcomes
• Identify and execute opportunities for product, process, or material improvements
• Maintain compliance with Quality & Food Safety Standards

What You Will Bring:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or equivalent
• 2-5 years’ experience delivering NPD and innovation projects within a FMCG environment
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, cost and speed to market
• Highly organised, analytical and detail-focused with strong project management capability
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the business
• Growth mindset, ownership mentality and a proactive, solution-focused approach

Why join us:

• Hands-on product development role within a high-performing R&D team
• Exposure to end-to-end FMCG product development and commercialisation
• A supportive environment that encourages learning, ownership and growth

Applications close Monday 21st April 2026.

For a confidential discussion, contact People & Culture on 02 6052 4000 or hr@staughtongroup.com.au. MRPF is an equal opportunity employer. All applications are handled in strict confidence