Associate Research and Development Technician

Tyson Foods, Inc.; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods, Inc. in Springdale, AR is seeking an Associate R&D Technician to support research and development activities with growing independence and technical proficiency. You will prepare products, collect data, and collaborate with a cross-functional team to meet project goals.

The role emphasizes accurate data records, operation of standard kitchen equipment, and proactive problem-solving to ensure quality and safety across R&D projects.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma.
• Experience: QA, Laboratory, or product development experience preferred.
• Computer Skills: Basic skills preferred.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Support product preparation and execution with minimal direction.
• Collect and document data using spreadsheets and digital tools.
• Set up and operate standard kitchen process equipment; adjust settings as needed.
• Identify and mitigate food safety risks to maintain a safe work environment.
• Prioritize daily tasks, learn, and expand technical skill sets with the team.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Spreadsheets

Scale automation programs

Job description

Position Summary

The Associate R&D Technician plays an active role in supporting research and development activities with increased independence and technical proficiency. This position anticipates team needs, executes product preparation and data collection with minimal direction, and contributes to team success through strong collaboration, technical capability, and proactive problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

Product Preparation & Execution

• Anticipate preparation needs and perform cutting and product setup with minimal direction.
• Ensure products are accurately prepared, cut, and presented to required standards.
• Convert and apply weight and measurement units (e.g., grams to ounces) accurately.

Data Collection & Documentation

• Proactively identify and collect appropriate data required for various project types.
• Maintain accurate and complete data records using spreadsheets and digital tools.
• Utilize systems such as email, online scheduling platforms, and scale automation programs.

Equipment & Process Knowledge

• Set up and operate standard kitchen process equipment independently.
• Make basic adjustments to equipment settings as needed to support product execution.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of process equipment within a kitchen environment.

Food Safety & Risk Management

• Recognize potential food safety risks and take appropriate action to mitigate or eliminate them.
• Identify safety hazards and proactively address risks to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Execution & Development

• Independently prioritize and manage daily tasks to meet project needs.
• Recognize routine responsibilities and complete them without direction.
• Actively pursue opportunities to learn and expand technical skillsets.
• Demonstrate understanding of how individual responsibilities contribute to broader R&D objectives.
• Maintain focus on achieving success for the immediate R&D team.
• Ensure tasks are completed efficiently, addressing unexpected issues by asking targeted, relevant questions.

Professional Expectations

Work Habits

• Maintain appropriate professional appearance aligned with office and operational requirements.
• Demonstrate initiative and accountability in completing work with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit strong time management and adaptability in a dynamic R&D environment.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Build strong working relationships by seeking to understand others and fostering teamwork.
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced technicians.
• Share knowledge, best practices, and insights across teams and business groups.

Communication Skills

• Respond to inquiries with clear, thorough answers.
• Proactively provide additional relevant information to support team decision-making and project success.

Success Criteria

• Anticipates needs and executes tasks with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates technical competence in preparation, equipment use, and data collection.
• Contributes to a safe and compliant work environment.
• Supports team performance through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and leadership among peers.
• Maintains efficiency and minimizes delays through proactive problem-solving and effective communication.

Requirements

• Education: High School diploma.
• Experience: QA, Laboratory, or product development experience preferred.
• Computer Skills: Basic skills preferred.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Position Specific Requirements

• Local candidates will be given priority.
• Must reside in the United States to be considered.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Relocation Assistance Eligible: No
• Work Shift: 1ST SHIFT (United States of America)
• Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
• The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
• We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
• Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.