What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Manager position at Archer Meat Snacks?
Job Details
Vernon, CA Hybrid – 3 Days
$110,000 – $130,000 / Year Bonus Eligible
Marketing Message
Are you a product developer who thrives at the intersection of science, manufacturing, and innovation? Archer Meat Snacks, the fastest growing jerky brand in the Natural and Specialty channel, is hiring an R&D Manager to lead the technical development and commercialization of its USDA regulated meat snack portfolio.
In this role you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of products across jerky, sticks, and emerging meat snack formats. This includes prototype development, sensory optimization, scale-up, first production execution, and ongoing manufacturing support. You will report to the Director of R&D and work closely with Operations, QA, Regulatory, and Supply Chain.
We are looking for a hands-on technical builder who enjoys translating concept ideas into commercially viable products. If you are comfortable moving between the bench, the pilot plant, and the manufacturing floor, and have a passion for meat science, this role is for you.
What You Will Own
Product Development and Optimization
Impact: Influence commercial strategy at one of the fastest-growing brands in the category
Visibility: Direct partnership with ELT, SVP of Sales, and cross-functional heads
Growth: Build and lead a modern Sales Strategy function
Culture: High-energy, collaborative, and grounded in humility and execution
Benefits: Competitive compensation, PTO, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
How To Apply
If you are ready to build, innovate, and lead within the USDA meat snack space, we would love to speak with you.
Archer Meat Snacks is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Vernon, CA Hybrid – 3 Days
$110,000 – $130,000 / Year Bonus Eligible
Marketing Message
Are you a product developer who thrives at the intersection of science, manufacturing, and innovation? Archer Meat Snacks, the fastest growing jerky brand in the Natural and Specialty channel, is hiring an R&D Manager to lead the technical development and commercialization of its USDA regulated meat snack portfolio.
In this role you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of products across jerky, sticks, and emerging meat snack formats. This includes prototype development, sensory optimization, scale-up, first production execution, and ongoing manufacturing support. You will report to the Director of R&D and work closely with Operations, QA, Regulatory, and Supply Chain.
We are looking for a hands-on technical builder who enjoys translating concept ideas into commercially viable products. If you are comfortable moving between the bench, the pilot plant, and the manufacturing floor, and have a passion for meat science, this role is for you.
What You Will Own
Product Development and Optimization
- Lead development of new SKUs from concept through launch
- Conduct bench-top prototyping to optimize flavor, texture, nutritional profile, shelf stability, and process feasibility
- Translate prototypes into formulas, ingredient listings, specifications, and processing parameters
- Evaluate new ingredients and processing methods relevant to meat snacks
- Drive cost, quality, and performance optimization of existing SKUs without sacrificing brand standards
- Plan and execute pilot runs, line trials, and first production within USDA manufacturing environments
- Perform technical scale-up activities to ensure products can be manufactured consistently at commercial throughput
- Serve as the technical point of contact with co-packers during scale up, troubleshooting, and first production
- Ensure documentation is accurate and complete to support repeatable commercial execution
- Support ongoing production through process troubleshooting and continuous improvement projects
- Build technical relationships with co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers
- Travel to production facilities for line trials, audits, and first production runs
- 5 or more years of experience in meat snack product development, meat science, or USDA regulated food manufacturing
- Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
- Strong understanding of USDA regulatory compliance, HACCP, HARPC, GMPs, and meat processing requirements
- Experience developing formulas, conducting sensory studies, and managing commercialization cycles
- Prior success working with co-packers or external manufacturing partners
- Ability to operate in both strategic and hands-on environments
- Strong documentation, project management, and cross-functional communication skills
- Comfortable traveling for pilots, audits, and first production runs
Impact: Influence commercial strategy at one of the fastest-growing brands in the category
Visibility: Direct partnership with ELT, SVP of Sales, and cross-functional heads
Growth: Build and lead a modern Sales Strategy function
Culture: High-energy, collaborative, and grounded in humility and execution
Benefits: Competitive compensation, PTO, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
How To Apply
If you are ready to build, innovate, and lead within the USDA meat snack space, we would love to speak with you.
Archer Meat Snacks is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Salary : $110,000 - $130,000