Associate R&D Technologist

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking an Associate Research and Development Technologist to drive innovation in meat and ingredient formulation. You will support trials, document findings, and contribute to cost optimization through processing improvements.

Your work helps create cutting-edge prototypes and future development initiatives. You will manage formulations in online databases, maintain project data, and collaborate with Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering to keep

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of meat and ingredients functionality; able to work with pilot plant equipment.
• Proficiency in online work systems and product development software.
• Ability to document data and maintain project files with accuracy.
• Excellent multi-tasking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Support development of new products and line extensions from bench to commercialization.
• Conduct pilot plant tests and production trials to refine formulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to document reviews and progress.
• Adhere to USDA/FDA regulations and develop compliant product processes.

Skills

Meat science

Product development

Data management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Product development software

Online database systems

Job description

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 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 processing 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.

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 support the development of new products and line extensions, guiding them from bench-top concepts to full commercialization. By conducting pilot plant tests and production trials, you will help generate viable prototypes and refine formulations for improved product quality. Additionally, you will collaborate with R&D team members, contributing to hands‑on innovation and ensuring successful product development.

• Process and Data Management: You will manage product formulations using an online database system, creating and adjusting recipes to meet development needs. Additionally, you will maintain accurate project files, specifications, and key product data to ensure seamless documentation and formulation integrity.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering, to support product development efforts. Through clear verbal and written communication, you will document and organize product reviews while ensuring stakeholders stay informed on project progress.

• Skill Development and Compliance: You will improve product development skills through training, hands‑on experience, and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.

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, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Company will consider a currently enrolled Bachelors Degree college student with an anticipated graduation by end of the current semester/quarter as qualified.

• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality. Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal 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.

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.

The expected pay range for this position is $52,500 - $77,500 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of thesalary or hourly wagethe company reasonably expects to pay for a positionat the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package.

Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package AvailableYes

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 757-357-1595.