Product Development Scientist

Farmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Please visit our website at fuillc.com to learn more! Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/performance-pet-products/. We are currently accepting applications for the brand-new position of Research & Development / Product Development Scientist! We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more! Schedule Monday-Friday, 7:00am-4:30pm Additional hours may be necessary on a required or voluntary basis Areas of Accountability All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork Product Development & Commercialization Process Improvement & Cost Optimization Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead formulation and reformulation efforts for wet pet food products Develop samples to support customer requests and commercialization efforts; revise samples, as requested Evaluate ingredient/supplier alternatives and formulation adjustments to improve cost, quality, yield, and operational performance Improve product appearance, texture, viscosity, palatability, and consistency Ensure formulations and products meet AAFCO, FDA, FSMA, SQF, GMP, HACCP, and customer requirements Reduce reliance on external formulation partners by building internal technical capability Support shelf-life studies, product validation work, and packaging evaluations Maintain organized records of formulations, testing, project timelines, and trial results Partner with quality assurance to investigate product deviations, complaints, and process inconsistencies Assist sales and operations during customer meetings, launches, and commercialization discussions Work with operations to improve product consistency, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in food, animal, or meat science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, or related field, preferred; associates degree with significant relevant work experience may be considered 3-7+ years of experience in pet or human food product development, formulation, commercialization, and/or process improvement Experience with thermal processing, canned foods, meat systems, sauces, gravies, emulsions, or retort systems, preferred Advanced written and verbal communication within a cross-functional team Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records Ability to understand and operate basic computer systems and iPads; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook Ability to manage multiple projects, change priorities, and problem-solve Ability to perform safety sensitive position Ability to work in a facility that processes multiple proteins including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, rabbit, kangaroo, and egg Must be 18 years of age or older for insurance purposes Physical Requirements Stand and/or walk up to 80% of the workday Occasionally lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds Occasionally bend at the knees and/or waist in potentially awkward positions Consistently turn and/or twist Occasionally climb steps up to 10 feet and perform duties on an elevated surface Ability to distinguish colors Ability to work in an environment with extreme cold/hot, wet/slippery conditions, and/or loud noise levels