Research and Development Specialist

Tyson Foods; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel up to 25%

Paid time off & benefits

Job summary

Tyson Foods is seeking an R&D Specialist to support product development from concept to commercialization. You will conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and help create prototypes and specifications that meet regulatory and processing requirements.

The role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver technical insights and solutions across business units. This is an entry-level position with growth opportunities in a federally inspected R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent in Food/Meat Science.
• Experience with meat science or product development is beneficial.
• Experience in data collection, analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support product development with new formulations and prototypes.
• Conduct experiments, collect data, and report results.
• Coordinate pilot plant tests and scale-up activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to provide technical insights.

Skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Time management

Project management

Numerical skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Food/Meat Science

Agriculture Business

Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

The R&D Specialist is an entry‑level position within the Research & Development (R&D) team at Tyson Foods supporting product development. This role provides hands‑on technical support throughout the entire product development lifecycle—from concept through commercialization. This will include conducting experiments, data collection, entry, and analysis, as well as results reporting. The R&D Specialist helps create product prototypes, refine existing formulations, and develop product specifications that meet regulatory, food safety, and processing requirements. This role also collaborates cross‑functionally to support the business units with technical insights and solutions.

Job Details

The R&D Specialist is an entry‑level position within the Research & Development (R&D) team at Tyson Foods supporting product development. This role provides hands‑on technical support throughout the entire product development lifecycle—from concept through commercialization. This will include conducting experiments, data collection, entry, and analysis, as well as results reporting. The R&D Specialist helps create product prototypes, refine existing formulations, and develop product specifications that meet regulatory, food safety, and processing requirements. This role also collaborates cross‑functionally to support the business units with technical insights and solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support assigned Business Units with product development activities, including assisting with new product formulation and modifications to existing products to meet nutrition, cost, and consumer/customer expectations.
• Assist in managing multiple R&D projects, including cost savings, sustainability, and technical application initiatives. Responsibilities may include coordinating production trials, ingredient inventory, and developing samples or prototypes of new products. Candidates should be able to execute meat science research with precision and technical skill.
• Key responsibilities include bench top research, data collection, pilot plant testing, and scale‑up production at a federally inspected research facility and final commercialization at full scale production facility. This role will contribute to identifying and solving technical challenges, supporting improvements in product performance, cost efficiency, and quality.
• May take on special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in Food or Meat Science, Agriculture Business, Chemical Engineering or associated degrees

Work Experience

2+ years relevant and practical experience

Special/Technical Skills

Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Time Management and results oriented is critical. Strong project management skills. Strong numerical skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and basic computer skills.

Communication Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills required. Presentation skills required. Must effectively communicate with cross functional business partners

Supervisory

None

Travel

Up to 25% travel.

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible

Yes

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.

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