Associate R&D Technologist

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 an Associate Research and Development Technologist, you will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency. You will support research projects, document critical findings, and contribute to cost optimization efforts through formulation and processing improvements. Your work will help create cutting-edge product prototypes, shaping future development initiatives. Additionally, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, ensuring high-quality standards and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Support the development of new products and line extensions, guiding them from bench-top concepts to full commercialization. Conduct pilot plant tests and production trials to help generate viable prototypes and refine formulations for improved product quality.
• Collaborate with R&D team members, contributing to hands-on innovation and ensuring successful product development.
• Manage product formulations using an online database system, creating and adjusting recipes to meet development needs.
• Maintain accurate project files, specifications, and key product data to ensure seamless documentation and formulation integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering, to support product development efforts. Through clear verbal and written communication, document and organize product reviews while ensuring stakeholders stay informed on project progress.
• Improve product development skills through training, hands-on experience, and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.

What We’re Seeking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Company will consider a currently enrolled Bachelors Degree college student with an anticipated graduation by end of the current semester/quarter as qualified.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality.
• Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Able to multi-task; strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• May require travel up to 40% of the time.

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.

• Office and plant setting.
• 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.
• Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.

Pay Range

The expected pay range for this position is $52,500 - $77,500 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.

Relocation Package

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.