R&D Technologist

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We’re an $18 billion food company with nearly 60,000 employees worldwide.

We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Join our family today. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

The Research and Development Technologist will lead projects and research of programs and document results to drive cost optimization through formulation and processing efficiencies, create new prototypes for product development initiatives, and identify / approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers.

Core Responsibilities

• Develops new products and line extensions from bench top to commercialization.
• Performs pilot plant tests to generate product prototypes, documents, organizes product reviews, and provides verbal and written communication on progress of projects.
• Runs production tests at manufacturing plants developing commercially viable new products or reformulated products to improve quality.
• Works with online formulation database system creating or adjusting product formulations.
• Maintains accurate project files, formulations, specifications and product / project data.
• Works with cross functional teams (Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Quality, Process Control, etc.

on projects providing product development support.

• Improves product development skills though appropriate training, understanding USDA / FDA regulations and hands-on working in projects.
• Assists other R&D team members if required to generate product prototypes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 2+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality. Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimum supervision.
• Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuously improves and updates food / meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to multi-task; strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• May require travel up to 40% of the time.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when 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.
• Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.

EEO / AA Information

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 veterans 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.

Salary Range

$59, - $89,