Principal Development Scientist - Meat Snacks

Conagra Brands • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of R&D, you will lead research and development projects and technology initiatives within the growing meat snacks category. You will serve as the key technical project leader for the Meat Snacks platform and a cross-functional leader for both major innovation and base business projects. You will provide technical expertise and leadership, independently conceiving, planning, and conducting research to advance scientific knowledge and technological developments. You will assess feasibility and soundness of experimental approaches, manage complex or novel assignments requiring new or improved techniques, mentor and coach other scientists, and supervise technical activities with full project accountability, ensuring effective execution of timelines, proposals, and recommendations.

Requirements

• Masters Degree in Meat Science or Food Science plus 7+ years of relevant work experience, in food/meat science; or PhD in Meat Science or Food Science plus 5+ years of work experience in food/meat science.
• Thorough understanding of meat science and food science principles
• Exhibit leadership and proactive attitudes in approaching technical solutions to business and market issues
• Independently manage project work and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills to influence, resolve conflicts, and deliver impactful messages both orally and in writing
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software
• Problem-solving skills and ability to build strong internal and external relationships
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Knowledge in meat product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, process design, product scale-up, plant testing, and commercialization
• Understanding of food industry standards of quality and food safety, FDA regulations, and government regulatory requirements in food processing
• Demonstrated exceptional competence in a basic technology needed to meet business strategy and serve as a technical expert for the corporation
• Comfortable working in manufacturing environments with varying conditions (noise, heat, cold, wet surfaces, and exposure to all food allergens)

Responsibilities

• Drive long-term planning and product strategy for the Meat Snacks platform
• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with timelines and business objectives
• Oversee product development schedules and manage execution to meet project milestones
• Direct product cuttings, plant trials, new product startups, and testing to ensure successful launches
• Guide prototype development and pilot plant activities, ensuring technical feasibility and innovation
• Utilize online specification systems, design experiments, and review reports as the technical authority
• Translate consumer insights into strategic product concepts that delight customers
• Mentor and coach food scientists to build technical capability and foster collaboration
• Travel up to 30% to support projects and plant trials

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees