SENIOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of complex product development projects from concept through commercialization readiness.
• Develop and optimize product formulations that balance customer expectations, product quality, manufacturability, regulatory compliance, operational capabilities, and business objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute benchtop trials, pilot studies, plant trials, and product validations to support successful product launches.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes, product performance, and technical data to identify opportunities for product improvement, yield enhancement, process optimization, cost reduction, and shelf-life performance.
• Collaborate with Culinary, Commercialization, Operations, Business Development, Quality, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and support successful product development initiatives.
• Analyze complex technical issues and develop practical, science-based solutions that support customer and business needs.
• Evaluate and approve ingredients, raw materials, and suppliers to support new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare, review, and maintain formulations, specifications, SOPs, labeling documentation, regulatory documentation, and project records.
• Present technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to customers, cross-functional teams, and executive leadership.
• Serve as a technical resource by providing guidance, sharing subject matter expertise, and supporting the successful execution of complex product development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and product development databases.
• Participate in innovation initiatives, competitive product evaluations, product testing, and continuous improvement activities.

Other Duties, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of meat/poultry science, food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and product formulation.
• Strong understanding of product development processes from concept through commercialization readiness.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and operational feasibility.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical challenges and develop practical business solutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Able to effectively influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Able to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with product development systems and AI-assisted tools preferred.

Behaviors Consistent With Standard Meat Company's Ethics and Values

• Behaviors consistent with Standard Meat Company's ethics and values.

Education And/Or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Biochemistry, or a related scientific or technical field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in food product development, meat science, or a related technical role.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading complex product development projects from formulation through commercialization readiness.
• Experience supporting plant trials, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization activities.
• Demonstrated ability to apply advanced technical knowledge to solve complex product development and manufacturing challenges.
• Experience presenting technical information to customers and cross-functional leadership preferred.