Senior R&D Technologist

When you join Smithfield, you become part of 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 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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Experimentation and Research: Independently design, plan, and execute experiments, analyze test results, and report findings on assigned projects. 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: Provide technical assistance and guidance to plant QA and operational personnel on food quality, chemistry, and production issues. 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: Enhance efficiencies in current production practices while optimizing ingredients and formulations to improve product performance. Evaluate products and production methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational improvements.

Requirements

• 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 of education and experience.
• 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, including 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 in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Skills

• Master's Degree preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. 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.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 - $120,000 annually. 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.

Benefits

At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available: Yes