Senior Meat R&D Technologist: Packaging & Process

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Package Available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Senior Research & Development Technologist to lead in-plant experiments for packaging, product development, and process optimization.

You will support plant operations, ensuring quality and compliance while applying expertise in processed meats to improve product integrity and efficiency. You will design and execute tests, collaborate with operations on Food Safety and Product Development, and guide QA and production teams on chemistry and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field with 5+ years of plant manufacturing experience in meat processing.
• Strong knowledge of meat science principles as they relate to meat processing and ingredient functionality.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations related to identity, labeling and nutrition claims.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Ability to communicate technical information to scientists and non-scientists.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% and work in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, and execute experiments; analyze results and report findings.
• Collaborate with operations on Food Safety and Product Development while staying current with industry advances.
• Provide technical assistance to plant QA and operations on quality, chemistry, and production issues.
• Oversee process controls for efficient, high-quality production; conduct chemistry analyses on test products.
• Enhance production practices by optimizing ingredients and formulations for performance.
• Evaluate products and methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive improvements.

Skills

Meat science principles

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Food safety knowledge

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Senior Research & Development Technologist to lead in-plant experiments for packaging, product development, and process optimization.

You will support plant operations, ensuring quality and compliance while applying expertise in processed meats to improve product integrity and efficiency. You will design and execute tests, collaborate with operations on Food Safety and Product Development, and guide QA and production teams on chemistry and quality.