R&D & Project Coordinator

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.

Essential Duties:

The R&D & Project Coordinator leads and coordinates product innovation initiatives while supporting packaging development, compliance, and cross-functional project execution.

  • 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
  • Five consecutive days: Monday-Friday
  • 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


Starting hourly rate for this position is $25.00–$30.00, depending on experience, education, and qualifications. Our company benefits include:

  • Health, dental, and vision benefits eligibility after 60 days
  • Pet insurance
  • 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.

For more information about us, please visit: https://jacobsensalt.com/

To Apply: Please send your resume, 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.


Listing will remain open until filled.