R&D Scientist​/Associate Senior Scientist -Foodservice Product Development

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue.

This position reports directly to the Development Leader – Product Development, Research and Development.

Relocation eligible. 20–30% travel.

Position offered as either Scientist or Associate Senior Scientist, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Lead and manage multiple product development initiatives of varying complexity, coordinating cross‑functional resources to deliver projects on time and within business objectives.
• Partner closely with other Food service Product Development Scientists to generate ideas, solve technical challenges, share best practices, and advance innovation projects that support team, customer, and business goals.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to translate requirements into actionable development plans, solve technical challenges, and deliver differentiated food service solutions.
• Conduct benchtop and pilot‑scale experimentation using food processing equipment and manufacturing technologies.
• Design, execute, and analyze product, ingredient, and process evaluations to support innovation, quality, cost, and operational goals.
• Coordinate and execute plant trials, partnering with Operations and FSQ teams to ensure successful scale‑up and implementation.
• Identify and develop new product concepts, ingredient technologies, and white‑space opportunities that support long‑term growth.
• Serve as a technical resource on formulations, ingredients, processing technologies, and product performance.
• Maintain project documentation, formulations, specifications, and technical reports using product development and business systems.
• Present project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to customers, leadership, and cross‑functional teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Arts, or related discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience in R&D, product development, or related field.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities, customers, and industry events.
• Must be a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
• Applicants must not require or anticipate requiring employer sponsorship for a work visa.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• MS or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field.
• Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential from the Research Chefs Association.
• Experience in food service, protein/meat products, or value‑added product development.
• Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, thermal processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to apply culinary expertise alongside food science principles to drive innovation.

Hormel Foods offers an excellent benefits package, including competitive base salary with bonus and merit‑increase possibilities, medical, dental, vision, non‑contributory pension, 401(k) immediate eligibility, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid vacation, and tuition assistance for children of employees.

Base pay range: $74,325 – 122,222 per year (actual compensation varies by experience, job knowledge, and location).

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious practices and observances, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran, or disability.