R&D Coordinator

R&D Coordinator (Denver)

Within our Corporate Nutrition R&D team located in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Coordinator, R&D – Nutrition to support exciting development and innovation initiatives across our nutrition-focused business! We’re proud to be part of a company that’s deeply committed to producing quality products while fostering collaboration, creativity, and progress.

At Leprino Foods, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $28.33 and $32.57 hourly. This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

• Update and manage ingredient and product specifications across multiple platforms, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Partner with suppliers and co-manufacturers by sharing clear documentation to support development goals.
• Prepare and organize samples for internal and customer evaluations, including benchtop testing and coordinated shipments.
• Track and document shelf-life studies and sensory tests to support learning and innovation.
• Assist with setting up materials for pilot trials and in-person product demonstrations.
• Support the Ascent R&D team with organizing and maintaining digital project files using Microsoft Project and SharePoint.
• Clean, organize, and maintain lab and warehouse workspaces, including coolers and freezers, using a methodical and safety-first approach.
• Restock supplies and maintain inventory in alignment with team needs.
• Maintain documentation to support audit readiness and traceability across all assigned tasks.
• Participate in lab tastings and product evaluations—your perspective helps shape our decisions!
• Collaborate closely with team members to ensure smooth coordination and timely completion of shared project work.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• High school diploma or equivalent, or related experience in food science or a similar field
• Comfort using software tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and SharePoint for tracking and organization
• Basic knowledge of safe food handling and lab procedures
• The ability to work a weekly 3/2 (office/home) hybrid schedule.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• A bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field
• Previous experience in the food industry, including exposure to quality assurance or sensory testing
• Familiarity with SAP or other product lifecycle management software
• Strong interpersonal skills to work smoothly with cross-functional teams and external partners

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino Foods is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three passionate individuals in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to well over 5,000 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?