R&D Technologist

Position Summary

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job and defines overall accountabilities. 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.

• Develop new products and line extensions, transforming concepts from bench‑top development to full commercialization.
• 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.
• Conduct pilot plant tests to develop product prototypes, carefully documenting findings and organizing product reviews for thorough evaluation.
• Provide verbal and written updates on project progress to keep stakeholders informed and ensure successful development.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Quality, and Process Control, to drive successful product development.
• Support R&D team members by assisting in the creation of product prototypes as needed.
• Maintain accurate project files, formulations, specifications, and product data to ensure consistency and precision in development.
• Continuously enhance your product development skills through training and hands‑on experience, ensuring compliance with USDA/FDA regulations and industry standards.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Food Science or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non‑meat ingredients, and their functionality.
• Ability to work with pilot plant equipment with minimum supervision.
• Proficiency in online work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuous improvement of food/meat science and product development skills and understanding of current plant process systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to multi‑task.
• Travel up to 40% of the time.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable, and team oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Master’s Degree (preferred).

The job may involve wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level is usually moderate but can be loud in the production area. Occasional lifting or moving of up to 75 pounds required. Frequent standing, walking, use of hands, reaching with arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and verbal communication are essential.

Smithfield is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, status as a disabled individual, or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757‑357‑1595.