Senior Meat Science & Packaging Innovator

Smithfield Foods; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Illinois seeks a Senior Research & Development Technologist to lead in-plant experiments driving packaging, product development, and process optimization. You will ensure alignment with customer needs, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

With deep knowledge of processed meats, ingredient functionality, and shelf life, you will resolve plant quality challenges, support QA, and contribute to continuous manufacturing improvements. Travel up to 40% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field required.
• 5+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in meat processing.
• Strong knowledge of meat science and ingredients functionality.
• Experience with experimental design and statistics.
• Ability to communicate technical information to both scientists and non-scientists.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute in-plant experiments to drive packaging and product development.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant QA and operations on food quality and production issues.
• Evaluate processes and ingredients to improve efficiency, cost, and product performance.

Skills

Meat science knowledge

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Smithfield Foods in Illinois seeks a Senior Research & Development Technologist to lead in-plant experiments driving packaging, product development, and process optimization. You will ensure alignment with customer needs, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

With deep knowledge of processed meats, ingredient functionality, and shelf life, you will resolve plant quality challenges, support QA, and contribute to continuous manufacturing improvements. Travel up to 40% may be required.