Associate R&D Technologist - Multiple Locations - (NE/IL/VA)

Smithfield Foods; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking an Associate Research and Development Technologist to drive innovation and cost optimization through formulation and processing improvements.

You will develop prototypes, manage formulations in online databases, and document critical findings while collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering. Travel up to 10-40% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of meat and non-meat ingredients and their functionality.
• Ability to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in online systems and product development software tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 10-40% depending on location.

Responsibilities

• Product Development and Commercialization: guide concepts from bench to full commercialization with pilot plant tests.
• Process and Data Management: manage formulations in online databases and maintain project files.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering and document reviews.
• Skill Development and Compliance: improve skills and understand USDA/FDA regulations.

Skills

Meat science knowledge

Data management

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Online database systems

Product development software

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.

This position can be based in:

• Nebraska (Omaha/Lincoln/Crete)
• Illinois (St. Charles)
• Virginia (Smithfield)

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 of personnel so classified. 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 10-40% (depending on location)

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.

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.