Associate R&D Technologist

Associate Research and Development Technologist

Posted: 06-Jun-26

Location:

Smithfield, Virginia

Type:
Full-­Time

Salary: $55,000 - $70,000

Categories:
Industry – Research & Development

Salary Details:
Relocation + annual bonus.

Required

Education:

4 Year Degree

Additional Information: 2 openings available, employer will assist with relocation costs.

Internal Number:

As an Associate Research and Development Technologist, you will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency. You will support research projects, document critical findings, and contribute to cost optimization efforts through formulation and process improvements. Your work will help create cutting-­edge product prototypes, shaping future development initiatives. Additionally, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, ensuring high-­quality standards and operational excellence.

• Product Development and Commercialization: support the development of new products and line extensions, guiding them from bench-­top concepts to full commercialization. Conduct pilot plant tests and production trials, generating viable prototypes and refining formulations for improved product quality. Collaborate with R&D team members, contributing to hands-­on innovation and ensuring successful product development.
• Process and Data Management: manage product formulations using an online database system, creating and adjusting recipes to meet development needs. Maintain accurate project files, specifications, and key product data to ensure seamless documentation and formulation integrity.
• Cross-­Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  collaborate with cross-­functional teams—Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering—to support product development efforts. Communicate and organize product reviews, keeping stakeholders informed on project progress.
• Skill Development and Compliance: improve product development skills through training, hands-­on experience, and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-­year college or university in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-­meat ingredients and their functionality. Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in online work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuously improve and update food/meat science and product development skills and understand all aspects of current plant process systems.
• Ability to complete required applicable forms in English, requiring reading and writing skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time-­management skills; ability to multi-­task.
• May require travel up to 40% of the time.

• Office and plant setting. Plant environment will include 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.
• Occasionally lift and or move up to 75 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work often requires standing, sitting, walking, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and talking or hearing.

Relocation package available; employer will assist with relocation costs.