Senior R&D Technologist

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a Senior Research & Development Technologist, you will lead in-plant experiments that drive innovation in packaging, equipment, product development, and process optimization. Your work will directly support plant operations, ensuring alignment with customer needs, quality standards, and evolving industry regulations. With a deep understanding of processed meats, ingredient functionality, processing systems, packaging, and shelf life, you will apply your expertise to resolve plant quality challenges, provide technical support, and uphold customer and regulatory compliance.

Your contributions will be pivotal in shaping product integrity, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing excellence.

• You will independently design, plan, and execute experiments, analyze test results, and report findings on assigned projects.
• You will conduct research in collaboration with operations on Food Safety and Product Development while maintaining relationships in the scientific community to stay informed on the latest advancements.
• You will provide technical assistance and guidance to plant QA and operational personnel on food quality, chemistry, and production issues.
• You will oversee process controls to ensure efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production while conducting chemistry analysis on all test products to maintain compliance and optimize performance.
• You will work to enhance efficiencies in current production practices while optimizing ingredients and formulations to improve product performance.
• You will evaluate products and production methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational improvements.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 5+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination or education and experience required.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat science principles as they relate to meat processing, including non-meat ingredients and their functionality, especially processed meats.
• Strong professional and academic networks in the fields of meat science and food science.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations as they relate to standards of identity, ingredients, nutrition labeling and label claims.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Ability to independently conduct applied research in the laboratory and in red meat-processing environments.
• Laboratory and plant project design and planning skills and the ability to communicate relevant technical information relating to food quality to processed meat plant QA and operational managers.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with scientists and non-scientists alike.
• Must effectively communicate with personnel in plant production, quality and food safety, business development, plant general management, executives within the company, and customers.
• Prior peer-reviewed publications in meat quality would be advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• May be required to travel up to 40%.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building…