Meat Scientist

Location: Chicago, IL (On-site)

About the Role

We are seeking a Meat Scientist to lead the research, formulation, development, commercialization, and lifecycle management of innovative meat protein products. This role translates product concepts into commercially successful products through formulation development, process optimization, plant trials, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with meat product development, manufacturing processes, and USDA-regulated production environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop meat product prototypes through benchtop formulation, experimentation, and iterative testing.
• Design and optimize new meat protein formulations while improving existing products to meet sensory, nutritional, operational, and financial objectives.
• Ensure formulations successfully transition from laboratory development to full-scale commercial manufacturing.
• Identify and document required processing equipment, tooling, and machine settings necessary for production.
• Lead and coordinate plant trials with cross-functional teams to validate product performance.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and product assessments to ensure products meet established quality and customer expectations.
• Support pilot-scale and commercial production trials through technical planning, execution, and post-trial analysis.
• Modify formulations and manufacturing processes to align with production capabilities and operational requirements.
• Partner with Operations to optimize manufacturing efficiency while maintaining approved product specifications.
• Apply food safety, microbiological, quality assurance, and shelf-life principles throughout product development and commercialization.
• Analyze production performance, yields, ingredient utilization, and processing efficiencies to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Provide technical expertise throughout product commercialization activities.
• Lead internal product evaluations, customer demonstrations, and product presentations.
• Communicate project progress and technical updates with internal stakeholders and customers.
• Identify formulation and process improvements that reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining product quality.
• Serve as the technical owner of assigned products following commercialization, providing ongoing support for product consistency, issue resolution, and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.
• Review and verify product labels to ensure compliance with USDA and FDA regulatory requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and update product specifications, process specifications, and technical documentation.
• Maintain accurate project records and complete all required development and commercialization documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 1 year of food product development experience, preferably focused on meat protein products.
• Working knowledge of meat processing technologies and manufacturing systems.
• Understanding of food microbiology, food safety principles, and product shelf-life management.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations applicable to meat product manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines.
• Strong project planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Sales, and other cross-functional teams throughout the product development process.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to travel approximately 5% as required.
• Ability to spend approximately 20-40% of working time within a manufacturing facility.
• Ability to work in refrigerated production environments maintained at 40-50°F (4-10°C).
• Ability to stand for extended periods during plant activities.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Process Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience within meat manufacturing operations.
• Experience working in a USDA-regulated food manufacturing facility.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Excellent written communication, technical documentation, and reporting skills.

Pay

Competitive salary: $75,000-$85,000 annually

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays