Senior R&D Technologist
About The Position
Smithfield is seeking a Senior R&D Technologist to lead in-plant experiments driving innovation in packaging, equipment, product development, and process optimization. This role directly supports plant operations, ensuring alignment with customer needs, quality standards, and evolving industry regulations. The position requires a deep understanding of processed meats, ingredient functionality, processing systems, packaging, and shelf life to resolve plant quality challenges, provide technical support, and uphold customer and regulatory compliance. The contributions will be pivotal in shaping product integrity, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing excellence.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 5+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination or education and experience required.
- Strong scientific knowledge of meat science principles as they relate to meat processing, including non-meat ingredients and their functionality, especially processed meats.
- Strong professional and academic networks in the fields of meat science and food science.
- Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations as they relate to standards of identity, ingredients, nutrition labeling and label claims.
- Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis.
- Ability to independently conduct applied research in the laboratory and in red meat-processing environments.
- Laboratory and plant project design and planning skills.
- Ability to communicate relevant technical information relating to food quality to processed meat plant QA and operational managers.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with scientists and non-scientists alike.
- Must effectively communicate with personnel in plant production, quality and food safety, business development, plant general management, executives within the company, and customers.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
- 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
- Prior peer-reviewed publications in meat quality would be advantageous.
- Master's Degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Independently design, plan, and execute experiments, analyze test results, and report findings on assigned projects.
- Conduct research in collaboration with operations on Food Safety and Product Development while maintaining relationships in the scientific community to stay informed on the latest advancements.
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to plant QA and operational personnel on food quality, chemistry, and production issues.
- Oversee process controls to ensure efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production.
- Conduct chemistry analysis on all test products to maintain compliance and optimize performance.
- Enhance efficiencies in current production practices.
- Optimize ingredients and formulations to improve product performance.
- Evaluate products and production methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational improvements.
Benefits
- Relocation Package Available
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
