Meat Science Food Scientist - NPD, Quality & Innovation

Jacklinksproteinsnacks; Minnetrista (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Life and disability insurance

401k participation

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Jack Link's is seeking a Food Scientist to drive development and execution of R&D initiatives including new product development, packaging, quality control, and operations. The role supports growth through technology and innovation across product development, packaging, and process improvement.

You will collaborate with R&D, QA and operations, manage plant trials, document test formulas, and push improvements in product quality and profitability while traveling up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science or related field.
• 3+ years of product development or related food manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong collaboration with R&D, QA and cross-functional partners.
• Detail oriented with meticulous record-keeping.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Drive and support the development of innovation from internal and external sources to help fulfill the company's strategic plan.
• Explore alternative ingredients, vendors and processes to deliver higher margins for new and current product opportunities.
• Identify and research potential new platform opportunities.
• Serve as a voice providing feedback and technical assistance as a member of the R&D team.
• Manage projects including sourcing and verification of raw ingredients and coordinating plant trials.
• Lead product cuttings for cross-functional teams of existing products, improvements or new offerings.
• Champion quality awareness and maintain product quality across lines.
• Document and maintain product and process specifications, labeling and regulatory requirements.
• Travel up to 30%.

Skills

Lab procedures

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science or related field

Master's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment familiarity

Job description

Jack Link's is seeking a Food Scientist to drive development and execution of R&D initiatives including new product development, packaging, quality control, and operations. The role supports growth through technology and innovation across product development, packaging, and process improvement.

You will collaborate with R&D, QA and operations, manage plant trials, document test formulas, and push improvements in product quality and profitability while traveling up to 30%.