R&D Technologist

Have a seat at our table. 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 Value You’ll Bring The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As a Research & Development Technologist, you will lead impactful research projects that optimize costs through advanced formulation and processing efficiencies. Your expertise will drive the creation of new prototypes for product development initiatives, ensuring groundbreaking advancements in quality and performance. Beyond innovation, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production capabilities. Your contributions will shape the future of product development, maximizing efficiency while delivering high‑quality solutions. What You’ll Do The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. Product Development and Commercialization: You will develop new products and line extensions, transforming concepts from bench‑top development to full commercialization. Additionally, you will run production tests at manufacturing plants to refine formulations and enhance product quality while utilizing an online formulation database to create or adjust product formulations for optimal performance. Testing and Evaluation: You will conduct pilot plant tests to develop product prototypes, carefully documenting findings and organizing product reviews for thorough evaluation. Additionally, you will provide both verbal and written updates on project progress to keep stakeholders informed and ensure successful development. Collaboration and Cross‑Functional Support: You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Quality, and Process Control, to drive successful product development. Additionally, you will support R&D team members by assisting in the creation of product prototypes as needed. Regulatory and Documentation Management: You will maintain accurate project files, formulations, specifications, and product data to ensure consistency and precision in development. Additionally, you will continuously enhance your product development skills through training and hands‑on experience, ensuring compliance with USDA/FDA regulations and industry standards. What We’re Seeking To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Bachelor's degree from an 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. Candidates with a Master's degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, or similar, relevant field of study from an accredited four‑year college will be considered qualified in lieu of experience. 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. 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. Other Skills That Make You Stand Out Master’s Degree, preferred. Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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. IndSPR-HP Relocation Package Available Yes EEO 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smithfield Foods