Senior R&D Technologist

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

Have a seat at our table. 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 VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

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:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Experimentation and Research: 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.
• Technical Support and Quality Assurance: 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.
• Process and Cost Efficiency: You will work to enhance efficiencies in current production practices while optimizing ingredients and formulations to improve product performance. Additionally, 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 i