Jacobsen Salt Co
At Jacobsen Salt Co., we craft top-shelf cooking ingredients, re-envision classic products and recipes, and provide unforgettable culinary experiences every day. Founded in 2011 as the first saltworks in the Pacific Northwest since the 1800s, we have grown from a local, small business to a nationally recognized brand—America’s leading salt maker and purveyor of quality pantry staples.
Jacobsen Salt Co. is seeking an R&D & Project Coordinator who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and brings strong project coordination, product development, and cross-functional collaboration skills to support our growing product innovation pipeline.
The R&D & Project Coordinator serves as the strategic bridge among Marketing, Operations, Sales, partners, and our network of packaging and ingredient suppliers. This role is critical to driving our ambitious product development pipeline and ensuring seamless execution of new product launches, packaging innovations, and special projects. The ideal candidate will be a systems-thinker who thrives in managing multiple complex projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and food safety compliance requirements.
The R&D & Project Coordinator leads and coordinates product innovation initiatives while supporting packaging development, compliance, and cross-functional project execution.
Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate R&D initiatives from concept through launch across multiple concurrent projects
Partner with leadership, suppliers, and partners to develop new products and flavor profiles aligned with brand and market opportunities
Establish and maintain R&D project plans, timelines, and launch schedules
Coordinate sample development, testing protocols, and approval processes
Document and maintain recipe specifications, ensuring scalability from test kitchen to production
Serve as primary liaison among Marketing, Design, Operations, and packaging suppliers
Review and approve packaging designs for FDA and food safety compliance
Manage packaging updates and revisions across multiple SKUs
Support sustainable packaging initiatives, supplier optimization, and special projects
Maintain regulatory documentation, SKU records, and margin documentation
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
3–5 years of experience in product development, innovation, or project management within CPG, preferably specialty food
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet aggressive timelines
Strong understanding of food production processes, ingredient sourcing, and packaging technologies
Experience with FDA labeling requirements and food safety regulations
Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills
Knowledge of COGS and SKU management
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with premium or artisan food brands
Background in culinary arts or food science
Knowledge of salt production, spice blending, or flavor development
Experience working with retail buyers and compliance requirements
Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and eco-friendly solutions
Experience managing relationships with co-manufacturers and 3PL partners
Essential Physical Functions
Must be able to stay in a stationary position (sitting or standing) at least 70% of the workday while consistently operating a computer. Other days will require walking and standing for at least 70% of the workday.
May be required to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds
Typical Weekly Schedule
Shift Hours: 9am - 5:30pm
Shift Length: 8 hours
Overtime hours possible as necessitated by business operations
This full-time, non-exempt position works out of JSC HQ in NE Portland, Oregon
Reports To
CEO
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision benefits eligibility after 60 days
Short-term disability insurance
401(k) eligibility after one year
Paid time off and paid company holidays
Flexible Savings Account
Jacobsen Salt Co. is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the value that diversity brings to an organization. As a community, we are committed to creating a workplace where learning is a key principle. We look for collaborative and resourceful team players who believe in our mission to inspire people to cook, eat and live well.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@jacobsensalt.com with your first and last name and job title in the subject line. Example: Jane Doe – R&D & Project Coordinator.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Jacobsen Salt Co. is seeking an R&D & Project Coordinator who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and brings strong project coordination, product development, and cross-functional collaboration skills to support our growing product innovation pipeline.
The R&D & Project Coordinator serves as the strategic bridge among Marketing, Operations, Sales, partners, and our network of packaging and ingredient suppliers. This role is critical to driving our ambitious product development pipeline and ensuring seamless execution of new product launches, packaging innovations, and special projects. The ideal candidate will be a systems-thinker who thrives in managing multiple complex projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and food safety compliance requirements.
The R&D & Project Coordinator leads and coordinates product innovation initiatives while supporting packaging development, compliance, and cross-functional project execution.
Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate R&D initiatives from concept through launch across multiple concurrent projects
Partner with leadership, suppliers, and partners to develop new products and flavor profiles aligned with brand and market opportunities
Establish and maintain R&D project plans, timelines, and launch schedules
Coordinate sample development, testing protocols, and approval processes
Document and maintain recipe specifications, ensuring scalability from test kitchen to production
Serve as primary liaison among Marketing, Design, Operations, and packaging suppliers
Review and approve packaging designs for FDA and food safety compliance
Manage packaging updates and revisions across multiple SKUs
Support sustainable packaging initiatives, supplier optimization, and special projects
Maintain regulatory documentation, SKU records, and margin documentation
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
3–5 years of experience in product development, innovation, or project management within CPG, preferably specialty food
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet aggressive timelines
Strong understanding of food production processes, ingredient sourcing, and packaging technologies
Experience with FDA labeling requirements and food safety regulations
Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills
Knowledge of COGS and SKU management
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with premium or artisan food brands
Background in culinary arts or food science
Knowledge of salt production, spice blending, or flavor development
Experience working with retail buyers and compliance requirements
Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and eco-friendly solutions
Experience managing relationships with co-manufacturers and 3PL partners
Essential Physical Functions
Must be able to stay in a stationary position (sitting or standing) at least 70% of the workday while consistently operating a computer. Other days will require walking and standing for at least 70% of the workday.
May be required to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds
Typical Weekly Schedule
Shift Hours: 9am - 5:30pm
Shift Length: 8 hours
Overtime hours possible as necessitated by business operations
This full-time, non-exempt position works out of JSC HQ in NE Portland, Oregon
Reports To
CEO
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision benefits eligibility after 60 days
Short-term disability insurance
401(k) eligibility after one year
Paid time off and paid company holidays
Flexible Savings Account
Jacobsen Salt Co. is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the value that diversity brings to an organization. As a community, we are committed to creating a workplace where learning is a key principle. We look for collaborative and resourceful team players who believe in our mission to inspire people to cook, eat and live well.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@jacobsensalt.com with your first and last name and job title in the subject line. Example: Jane Doe – R&D & Project Coordinator.
#J-18808-Ljbffr