Associate R&D Technologist

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Research and Development Technologist plays a key role in driving innovation and efficiency within the company. This role supports research projects, documents critical findings, and contributes to cost optimization through formulation and processing improvements. The technologist will help create cutting-edge product prototypes, shape future development initiatives, and identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers to ensure high-quality standards and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality.
• Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to multi-task; strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• May require travel up to 40% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of new products and line extensions from bench-top concepts to full commercialization.
• Conduct pilot plant tests and production trials to generate viable prototypes and refine formulations for improved product quality.
• Collaborate with R&D team members on hands-on innovation and ensure successful product development.
• Manage product formulations using an online database system, creating and adjusting recipes to meet development needs.
• Maintain accurate project files, specifications, and key product data for seamless documentation and formulation integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering, to support product development efforts.
• Document and organize product reviews through clear verbal and written communication, ensuring stakeholders are informed on project progress.
• Improve product development skills through training, hands-on experience, and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.

Benefits

• Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs
• Medical plans with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers
• Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance quality of life
• Support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs
• LinkedIn Learning access for on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training
• Tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs
• Leadership development initiatives
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level