Senior R&D Technician

Smithfield Foods•Sioux City, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As a Senior Research & Development Technician, you play a crucial role in driving innovation by assisting in research and development projects, documenting results, and utilizing key reporting programs such as SAP, ProductVision, and PMDM. Your contributions will support the team in preparing, shipping, and documenting customer samples, ensuring they meet high standards for review. Additionally, you will oversee incoming materials, including raw ingredients and blending processes, ensuring smooth operations. Your attention to detail will help maintain the facility’s professional appearance for customer and corporate reviews, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality and excellence.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree from an accredited college, or certificate from a technical school and 2+ years relevant food manufacturing experience; or the equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook).
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.
Ability to travel occasionally, possibly overnight. 10% travel possible.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree, preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in plant projects by monitoring testing, producing prototype samples, collecting data, and organizing product reviews to ensure successful product development.
Create customer samples while supporting analytical testing and sharing key findings with the team to drive improvements.
Follow established procedures to maintain a clean, safe, and organized R&D pilot plant, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Prepare the location for customer and corporate visitors, facilitating facility tours that showcase operations and capabilities.
Prepare products for customer review, ensuring proper techniques are used and samples meet customer expectations.
Complete and maintain proper documentation using established software programs such as SAP, PMDM, and ProductVision.

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 through partnership with Guild
Leadership development initiatives
Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children
Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement for obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.