The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As a Research & Development Technologist, you will lead impactful research projects that optimize costs through advanced formulation and processing efficiencies. Your expertise will drive the creation of new prototypes for product development initiatives, ensuring groundbreaking advancements in quality and performance.
Beyond innovation, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production capabilities. Your contributions will shape the future of product development, maximizing efficiency while delivering high-quality solutions.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Product Development and Commercialization: You will develop new products and line extensions, transforming concepts from bench-top development to full commercialization. Additionally, you will run production tests at manufacturing plants to refine formulations and enhance product quality while utilizing an online formulation database to create or adjust product formulations for optimal performance.
Testing and Evaluation: You will conduct pilot plant tests to develop product prototypes, carefully documenting findings and organizing product reviews for thorough evaluation. Additionally, you will provide both verbal and written updates on project progress to keep stakeholders informed and ensure successful development.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support: You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Quality, and Process Control, to drive successful product development. Additionally, you will support R&D team members by assisting in the creation of product prototypes as needed.
Regulatory and Documentation Management: You will maintain accurate project files, formulations, specifications, and product data to ensure consistency and precision in development. Additionally, you will continuously enhance your product development skills through training and hands-on experience, ensuring compliance with USDA/FDA regulations and industry standards.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, or similar, relevant field of study and 2+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Candidates with a Master's degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, or similar, relevant field of study from an accredited four-year college will be considered qualified in lieu of experience.
Company will consider a currently enrolled Masters degree college student with an anticipated graduation by end of the current semester/quarter as qualified.
Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality. Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimum supervision.
Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
Ability to multi-task; strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
May require travel up to 40% of the time.
Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Kretschmar®, Gwaltney®, Curly's®, Margherita®, Carando®, Healthy Ones® Krakus®, Morliny®, and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.
