Senior R&D Technician

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. 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 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.

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 Testing: You will assist in plant projects by monitoring testing, producing prototype samples, collecting data, and organizing product reviews to ensure successful product development. Additionally, you will work on-site to create customer samples while supporting analytical testing and sharing key findings with the team to drive improvements.

• Lab and Facility Maintenance: You will follow established procedures to maintain a clean, safe, and organized R&D pilot plant, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, you will prepare the location for customer and corporate visitors, facilitating facility tours that showcase operations and capabilities.

• Customer Sample Preparation and Review: You will prepare products for customer review, ensuring proper techniques are used and samples meet customer expectations.

• Documentation and Compliance: You will complete and maintain proper documentation using established software programs such as SAP, PMDM, and ProductVision.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• 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.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Bachelor's Degree, preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.