R&D Technician

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Technician supports product development and innovation through hands-on execution in the Smithfield Virginia Innovation Center – Pilot Plant. Working under direction and in close collaboration with the Prototyping and the R&D team, this role is responsible for producing products, supporting trials, preparing customer samples, and maintaining accurate documentation. This position requires a strong focus on safety, quality, and execution, with daily involvement in production activities.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Ability to follow directions and execute tasks consistently
• Basic Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Ability to accurately document data
• Ability to stand and work in a production environment (cold and hot) all day
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and achieve effective time management
• Ability to work under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Acts with a sense of urgency & ability to meet deadlines; self-directed
• 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.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years relevant food manufacturing experience, preferred.
• Technical certification in a related field.
• Experience working with pilot plant or manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Execute pilot plant trials, produce prototype products, and collect data under direction
• Support product evaluations and communicate basic results to the team
• Prepare, package, and ship customer samples to meet quality and presentation standards
• Accurately record formulas, processes, and results using systems such as SAP, PMDM, or similar tools
• Maintain clear and legible documentation
• Support ingredient handling, staging, and blending processes
• Operate equipment safely following established procedures
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Prepare pilot plant and workspace for customer and corporate visits
• Assist with basic analytical testing and daily operational needs

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 your quality of life, at no additional cost
• Support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs
• LinkedIn Learning access 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
• Education Level: Associate degree