Senior R&D Technologist

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

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a Senior Research & Development Technologist, you will lead in-plant experiments that drive innovation in packaging, equipment, product development, and process optimization. Your work will directly support plant operations, ensuring alignment with customer needs, quality standards, and evolving industry regulations. With a deep understanding of processed meats, ingredient functionality, processing systems, packaging, and shelf life, you will apply your expertise to resolve plant quality challenges, provide technical support, and uphold customer and regulatory compliance. Your contributions will be pivotal in shaping product integrity, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing excellence.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• You will independently design, plan, and execute experiments, analyze test results, and report findings on assigned projects.
• You will conduct research in collaboration with operations on Food Safety and Product Development while maintaining relationships in the scientific community to stay informed on the latest advancements.
• You will provide technical assistance and guidance to plant QA and operational personnel on food quality, chemistry, and production issues.
• You will oversee process controls to ensure efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production while conducting chemistry analysis on all test products to maintain compliance and optimize performance.
• You will work to enhance efficiencies in current production practices while optimizing ingredients and formulations to improve product performance.
• You will evaluate products and production methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational improvements.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 5+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination or education and experience required.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat science principles as they relate to meat processing, including non-meat ingredients and their functionality, especially processed meats.
• Strong professional and academic networks in the fields of meat science and food science.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations as they relate to standards of identity, ingredients, nutrition labeling and label claims.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Ability to independently conduct applied research in the laboratory and in red meat-processing environments.
• Laboratory and plant project design and planning skills and the ability to communicate relevant technical information relating to food quality to processed meat plant QA and operational managers.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with scientists and non-scientists alike.
• Must effectively communicate with personnel in plant production, quality and food safety, business development, plant general management, executives within the company, and customers.
• Prior peer-reviewed publications in meat quality would be advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• May be required to travel up to 40%.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

Master's Degree preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 - $120,000 annually. Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly." is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees' children.

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.