Meat Scientist

Product Development Specialist

Assists and coordinates the process of developing new products, process improvement projects, new ingredient testing, new equipment testing, and new supplier testing. Understands food principles, interactions of various ingredients, and is familiar with USDA regulations.

An essential job duty of this position is regularly reporting to work on time and being able to perform the essential duties of the position.

Facilitates and leads projects related to product development, non-meat ingredient testing, meat ingredient testing, and new equipment testing in the production area or the Product Development (PD) center (flex testing schedule dependent on project, ex. Nights, mornings, weekends may be needed).

- 30%

Test, validate, and recommend changes to production processes to improve product quality, yield, and overall performance.

- 30%

Works with cross functional teams (QA, operations, regulatory, procurement) to validate formulation and processing information for new/existing products related to shelf life and food safety, collects processing and finished product data (LIMs data, Plant Matrix, etc.) for specification development, and provides formulation expertise for projects assigned to role.

- 20%

Manages JDF smokehouse and oven program validation, calibration, and maintenance and makes necessary recommendations to operations/maintenance team for quality and efficiency.

- 10%

Provides process control support by managing forming equipment databases, relationship with forming plate manufacturers, and provides guidance to cross-functional teams (operations, PI, maintenance) for forming plate use/needs for new products and existing products.

- 10%

Accepts special projects as dictated by business needs.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Approachability
- Puts others at ease by listening, allowing adequate time for interactions, and giving undivided attention. Show receptivity to message being delivered.

Collaboration
- Seeks and enlists active participation of others to reach goals.

Customer Focus
- Builds effective relationships, identifies customer expectations, sees issues from their point of view; offers practical recommendations.

Dependability
- Meets deadlines, works independently, accountable, maintains focus, punctual, good attendance record.

Ethics & Integrity
- Possesses a strong set of core values and beliefs consistent with social, ethical, and organizational principles. Confronts unethical situations.

Innovation
- Generates new ideas and approaches to enhance the organization's systems, products, or effectiveness.

Personal Accountability
- Accepts responsibility for own actions including failure. Embraces experience as learning opportunities and not chances to blame.

Results Orientated
- Drives behavior to emphasize achievement. Self-directed toward accomplishment. Is action oriented. Likes challenge. Pursues Opportunities. Consistently high achieving.

Time Management/ Prioritization
- Determines the interrelationships and relative importance of tasks and allocates time efficiently to the most important issues. Knows what not to spend time on; completes work in a timely fashion.

Trust & Respect
- Offers respect to all in the work environment, adheres to high personal standards of acceptance, reliability, openness, and consistency of action with words.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience or Training: 3 years of relevant experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrates a working knowledge of and ability to run/learn all production equipment. Ability to work with and direct all production workers and supervisors to run tests.

Technology/Equipment:
Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office and ability to learn multiple software programs related to processing and data management.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, or related science.

Technology/Equipmen…