Meat Scientist

This role leads the development, scale-up, and ongoing optimization of meat-based food products and processes. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Quality, and Leadership, the position supports innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization while ensuring products meet customer, operational, regulatory, and financial objectives.

• Develop and refine product formulations through bench-top development, testing, and evaluation.
• Create new products and optimize existing formulations for commercial production, ensuring alignment with customer expectations, quality standards, nutritional targets, and cost objectives.
• Research ingredients, processing technologies, and industry trends to support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate formulation performance related to yield, texture, flavor, shelf life, and processing efficiency.

• Support pilot and commercial production trials, including preparation, execution, troubleshooting, and post-trial analysis.
• Adapt formulations and processes to align with manufacturing capabilities and operational requirements.
• Partner with Operations and Quality teams to optimize production processes and maintain product consistency.
• Apply food safety, quality, and shelf-life principles throughout development and commercialization activities.
• Identify opportunities for yield improvement, process efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Support commercialization efforts by providing technical expertise throughout product launch activities.
• Lead and support internal product evaluations, customer presentations, and product demonstrations.
• Communicate project progress, technical updates, and development outcomes to internal stakeholders and customers as needed.
• Serve as the technical lead for assigned products following commercialization, supporting continuous improvement and issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle.

• Review product labels and documentation to ensure USDA/FDA regulatory compliance.
• Create and maintain product specifications, formulations, and process documentation within PLM systems.
• Maintain accurate project records, trial documentation, and development reports.
• Support departmental administrative responsibilities related to development and commercialization activities.

• Coordinate ingredient and material ordering for development and plant trials.
• Support departmental initiatives and broader company objectives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Process Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of food product development experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 2+ years with an advanced degree.
• Knowledge of meat and food processing technologies.
• Understanding of microbiology, food safety, and shelf-life management.
• Working knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel approximately 10–30%.
• Ability to work in manufacturing and cold‑temperature environments as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Experience with in meat manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in USDA‑regulated facilities.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.

• Process Optimization & Commercialization
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Customer Focus
• Results Orientation
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
• Communication & Technical Presentation
• Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

• Take pride in delivering quality work.
• Serve customers, teammates, and communities with integrity.
• Honor tradition while building for the future.
• Make decisions with accountability and commitment.
• Work collaboratively to achieve shared success.