Smithfield

Food Production

AssociateR&DTechnologist

Smithfield, Virginia, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.

The Brief

“Associate R&D Technologist at Smithfield. Skills: Product Development, Formulation, Process Improvement. Support research projects. Document critical findings”

What You'll Achieve.

Driving efficiency; Cost optimization efforts; Shaping future development initiatives; Ensuring high-quality standards; Ensuring operational excellence; Ensuring successful product development; Ensuring stakeholders stay informed

Industry & Context.

Food Production
Eligibility Requirements

Office and plant setting, Wet or humid conditions, Extreme cold and heat, Working near moving mechanical parts, Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, Exposure to chemicals, Moderate to loud noise level, Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, Specific vision abilities, Frequently required to sit, Use hands handle, or reach with hands, Stoop, kneel, crouch, Talk or hear, Travel up to 40% of the time

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required., scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality., Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision., Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools., Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems., Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.

What You'll Do.

Support research projects

Document critical findings

Contribute to cost optimization

Create product prototypes

Approve ingredient suppliers

Approve manufacturing suppliers

Support new product development

Conduct pilot plant tests

Manage product formulations

Create and adjust recipes

Maintain project files

Maintain specifications

Maintain product data

Improve product development skills

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Collaborate with R&D team members; Collaborate with cross-functional teams; Work with Business; Work with Marketing; Work with Sales; Work with Manufacturing; Work with Engineering

Communication Scope

Verbal communication; Written communication

Full Job Description

**If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.** Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. **Apply Now!** **THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:** _The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section._ As an Associate Research and Development Technologist, you will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency. You will support research projects, document critical findings, and contribute to cost optimization efforts through formulation and processing improvements. Your work will help create cutting-edge product prototypes, shaping future development initiatives. Additionally, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, ensuring high-quality standards and operational excellence. **WHAT YOU’LL DO:** _The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned._ * **Product Development and Commercialization:** You will support the development of new products and line extensions, guiding them from bench-top concepts to full commercialization. By conducting pilot plant tests and production trials, you will help generate viable prototypes and r

Free ATS check

Applying for this Associate R&D Technologist role?

Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.

How to Apply on Workday

  • Workday has a multi-step form — save your progress after every section.
  • "Apply With LinkedIn" can fail or lose data; manual entry is more reliable.
  • Watch for the "Submit for Review" final step — hitting "Save" alone does not submit.
  • Job requisition numbers are useful when following up with HR by email.

ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED

What do employees actually say about Smithfield?

Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.

Read Company Rants →