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

Sfdbrands; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Associate Research and Development Technologist to drive innovation in product development and process improvements.

The role supports bench-to-commercialization efforts, manages formulations in online systems, and collaborates with cross-functional teams across multiple locations including Nebraska, Illinois, and Virginia. You will work with pilot plant equipment, contribute to data management, and ensure adherence to USDA/FDA regulations while developing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Company will consider a currently enrolled Bachelor's student with anticipated graduation 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 online product development systems and software tools.
• Continuously updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands plant processes.
• Ability to read and write in English for required forms.
• Ability to multi-task with strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time-management skills.
• Travel up to 10–40% depending on location.

Responsibilities

• Support development of new products from bench-top concepts to full commercialization.
• Conduct pilot plant tests and production trials to generate prototypes and refine formulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing and Engineering to ensure progress is communicated.
• Manage product formulations in online databases and maintain project files and specifications.
• Ensure understanding and compliance with USDA/FDA regulations.

Skills

Meat science

Pilot plant

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science

Enrolled student considered

Tools

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. 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.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. “Good food. Responsibly.®” is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out‑of‑pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.

Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high‑quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.