Associate R&D Technologist Job at Smithfield Foods – Apply Now!
Looking to combine your passion for food science with hands-on innovation? Smithfield Foods is hiring an Associate R&D Technologist at its Smithfield, VA location. This full-time, onsite role offers a dynamic opportunity to work across product development, pilot testing, and cross-functional collaboration. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field, this is your chance to shape the future of food with a leader in the pork and packaged meat industry.
About Smithfield Foods:
Smithfield Foods is a global leader in pork production and packaged meats, committed to providing safe, high-quality food while maintaining sustainable operations. With innovation at the core of its R&D division, Smithfield offers professionals an opportunity to grow in a values-driven, industry-leading organization. As part of the team, you’ll help develop products that feed millions, backed by advanced facilities, supportive leadership, and a dedication to excellence in food science.
Job Details:
Job Role: Associate R&D Technologist
Location: Smithfield, Virginia
Job ID: R-2025-5839
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite
Your Opportunity
The Associate Research and Development Technologist will assist in supporting projects and documenting results as well as the research of programs to drive cost optimization through formulation and processing efficiencies, create new prototypes for product development initiatives, and identify/approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist in the development of new products and line extensions from bench top to commercialization.
- Help R&D team in performing pilot plant tests to generate product prototypes, documents, organizes product reviews, and provides verbal and written communication on the progress of projects.
- Run production tests at manufacturing plants, developing commercially viable new products or reformulated products to improve quality.
- Work with an online formulation database system, creating or adjusting product formulations.
- Maintain accurate project files, formulations, specifications and product/ project data.
- Work with cross-functional teams on projects providing product development support.
- Improve product development skills through appropriate training, understanding USDA/FDA regulations, and hands-on work on projects.
- Assist other R&D team members if required to generate product prototypes.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field is required.
- Substantial scientific knowledge of meat and non-meat ingredients.
- Experience in working with pilot plant equipment.
- Proficient in online work systems and product development software tools.
- Ability to multitask and excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
- Travel may be required up to 40% of the time.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
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Office and plant settings (wet, cold/hot, mechanical parts, fumes)
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Noise levels are moderate to loud in production areas
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Must be able to lift/move up to 75 lbs occasionally
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Frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, and talking/hearing
Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Associate R&D Technologist, Food Science, Product Development, Manufacturing, Research and Development, Cost Optimization, Formulation, Meat Science, Pilot Plant
