Research and Development Specialist - TMV

Job Summary: The Research and Development (R&D) Specialist is responsible for the development, improvement, and commercialization of value-added beef products within a further processing manufacturing environment. This role applies food and meat science principles to product formulation, process optimization, yield improvement, and cost control while ensuring regulatory compliance. The R&D Specialist works cross-functionally with Operations, Quality Assurance, Sales, and Supply Chain to bring innovative, high-quality beef products from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Develop new value-added beef products including marinated, seasoned, portioned, cooked, or ready-to-cook items using sound food and meat science principles.
• Formulate and reformulate products to improve yield, texture, flavor, shelf life, and cost efficiency, applying knowledge of protein functionality, water-binding systems, pH control, and ingredient interactions.
• Design and conduct controlled bench-top, pilot, and production-scale trials.
• Develop seasoning blends, marinades, injections, and coatings specific to beef products.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and correlate results with formulation and processing variables.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to translate customer requirements into technically feasible product solutions.

Process Development & Optimization

• Support scale-up of new products from R&D through full commercial production.
• Optimize processing parameters including tumbling, marination, thermal processing, slicing, and packaging.
• Apply scientific analysis to reduce cook loss, purge, and variability while improving consistency and throughput.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to formulation, texture, appearance, or flavor using data-driven root cause analysis.

Regulatory, Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure all products comply with USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and labeling requirements.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to validate processes, conduct shelf-life and lethality studies, and support product approvals.
• Maintain scientific and technical documentation including formulas, specifications, SOPs, and trial reports.

Data Analysis & Documentation

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to yields, ingredient performance, processing conditions, and finished product quality.
• Utilize basic statistical tools and scientific methods to evaluate trial outcomes and process improvements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through measurable, data-supported results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations to ensure successful product launches and smooth production transitions.
• Collaborate with Procurement on ingredient sourcing, functional ingredient evaluation, and cost optimization.
• Support customer presentations, product samples, and technical discussions as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on industry experience).
• 2-5 years of experience in meat processing, preferably beef further processing.
• Strong working knowledge of applied food and meat science, including protein functionality, ingredient interactions, and thermal processing.
• Experience designing and evaluating product and process trials.
• Working knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations and HACCP principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Experience developing value-added beef products (marinated, RTE, RTC, or seasoned).
• Familiarity with functional ingredients such as salts, phosphates, binders, antioxidants, and flavor systems.
• Experience in yield optimization and shelf-life improvement.
• Experience working in a USDA-inspected facility.
• Project management experience within a manufacturing environment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in refrigerated and processing environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to support product trials and plant schedules.

Key Competencies

• Applied scientific thinking with practical plant-floor execution
• Data-driven problem solving
• Product innovation and continuous improvement mindset
• Strong cross-functional communication
• Results-oriented with cost and quality focus

DISCLAIMER: The Position Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required of employees assigned to this position.