Meat Scientist

Conagra Brands; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Bonus opportunity

401(k) matching

Stock purchase plan

Career development opportunities

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Conagra Brands in Chicago is seeking a meat science professional to support innovation and margin expansion across premium meat snacks. You will develop new meat snack products from concept to commercialization, lead plant trials, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate consumer insights into new concepts.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Meat Science/Animal Science, 3+ years in meat product development, and experience in lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant food product development experience specifically with meat products.
• Experience developing meat-based food products.
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality and cost savings initiatives.
• Curiosity for consumer trends, innovation, and the consumer packaged goods industry.
• Knowledge of food product design, formulation, process design, scale‑up, plant testing, and commercialization.
• Strong organization, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience working in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop new meat snack products from concept through commercialization.
• Conduct plant trials and support new product startups.
• Plan, prioritize, and complete projects with accurate records.
• Work with pilot plant equipment under guidance.
• Conceptualize and develop innovative product prototypes.
• Utilize online specification systems to document and manage product information.
• Design experiments and prepare results for technical review.
• Understand consumer demand spaces and translate insights into new product concepts.
• Lead product cuttings, plant trials, and product testing activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Skills

Meat science

Product development

Project management

Laboratory experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Food science knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Meat Science/Animal Science

Job description

Reporting to the Research and Development Director, you will utilize your meat science expertise to support innovation and margin expansion across our premium meat snacks brands Fatty and Duke’s. With a curiosity for consumer demand and food trends, you will work in our Innovation Tech Center in downtown Chicago to create innovations that are an asset to Conagra’s snacking portfolio.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

• Develop new meat snack products from concept through successful commercialization.
• Conduct plant trials and support new product startups.
• Plan, prioritize, and complete projects while maintaining accurate and complete records.
• Work with pilot plant equipment under guidance.
• Conceptualize and develop innovative product prototypes.
• Utilize online specification systems to document and manage product information.
• Design experiments and prepare results for technical review.
• Understand consumer demand spaces and translate insights into new product concepts.
• Lead product cuttings, plant trials, and product testing activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including cleaning equipment, utensils, and work surfaces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure successful product development and commercialization.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant food product development experience specifically with meat products.
• Experience developing meat-based food products.
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality and cost savings initiatives.
• Curiosity for consumer trends, innovation, and the consumer packaged goods industry.
• Knowledge of food product design, formulation, process design, scale‑up, plant testing, and commercialization.
• Strong organization, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience working in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.

Physical Requirements

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply: You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand‑eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Number of Days in Office

4 #LI-Hybrid #LI-Associate #LI-MH1

Compensation Pay Range

$64,000-$95,000 The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid‑time off, parental leave, flexible work‑schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Equal Opportunity

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.