Product Development Scientist

Farmers Union Industries, LLC (FUI) is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, specializes in creating an assortment of canned dog and cat foods for brands of all sizes.

About the role

We are seeking a Research & Development / Product Development Scientist to lead formulation, commercialization, and process improvement for wet pet food products. This role emphasizes internal technical capability, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and reformulation efforts for wet pet food products
• Develop and revise samples to support customer requests and commercialization
• 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, 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 requiring temporary or permanent assumption of additional tasks or a heavier workload.

Requirements

• 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
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to operate basic computer systems and iPads
• Ability to manage multiple projects, change priorities, and problem-solve
• Ability to perform safety-sensitive duties
• Ability to work in a facility processing multiple proteins including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, rabbit, kangaroo, and egg
• Must be 18 years of age or older

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 environments with extreme cold/hot, wet/slippery conditions, and/or loud noise levels

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:00am-4:30pm. Additional hours may be necessary on a required or voluntary basis.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Impressive 401K match
• Additional benefits available