R&D Technologist — Food Product Innovation & Prototyping

Smithfield Support Services Corp; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. seeks an Associate Research and Development Technologist to drive innovation in product prototypes and formulation improvements. You will support research projects, document key findings, and contribute to cost optimization through processing improvements.

You will collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams to advance commercialization, manage formulations in online databases, and ensure compliance with USDA/FDA regulations while traveling up to 40% as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field is required, or equivalent experience.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat and non-meat ingredients and their functionality.
• Experience with pilot plant equipment and formulations.
• Proficiency with online work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuous learning and understanding of USDA/FDA regulations and plant processes.
• Ability to read and write in English and multitask effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support development of new products and line extensions from bench-top concepts to full commercialization.
• Manage product formulations using an online database system and adjust recipes to meet development needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Engineering) and document product reviews for stakeholders.
• Develop skills through training and comply with USDA/FDA regulations.

Skills

Meat science

Ingredient functionality

Pilot plant experience

Documentation skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Online database systems

Product development software tools

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. seeks an Associate Research and Development Technologist to drive innovation in product prototypes and formulation improvements. You will support research projects, document key findings, and contribute to cost optimization through processing improvements.

You will collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams to advance commercialization, manage formulations in online databases, and ensure compliance with USDA/FDA regulations while traveling up to 40% as needed.