FOOD SCIENTIST I

Pilgrim's • $80K — $90K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science required; degree in Meat Science, Poultry Science, or Engineering preferred.
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience with a BS; 0-2 years with an MS.
  • Experience in food manufacturing or continuous improvement strongly preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

Responsibilities

  • Develop new products and enhance existing offerings based on customer and operational needs.
  • Conduct pilot product development and analyze results for commercialization.
  • Engage with vendors to address product formulation and process issues.
  • Participate in product sampling and communicate technical aspects to customers.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to solve quality or yield-related issues.

Benefits

  • Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage available after 60 days.
  • Paid Time Off includes sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
  • 401(k) with company match after one year of service.
  • Eligibility for annual bonus based on company performance.
  • Career development opportunities for professional growth.
Full Job Description
Description

Food Scientist I - Product Development

As a Food Scientist, you will be responsible for the development of new products and improvement of existing products. You will work closely with Operations, Operational Excellent (OE), Research and Optimization (R&O), Quality Assurance (QA), Category Marketing, Innovation, Culinary, Regulatory, Procurement, and Sales teams to drive execution of the Fresh and Prepared Poultry strategies by developing, optimizing, and commercializing products. This role will be focused on product development supporting customers' product needs.

Responsibilities:
  • Execute development of new products and improvement of existing products to meet customer, brand, and operations requirements as related to cost, quality, and yield.
  • Perform pilot product development and renovation up to and through commercialization, analyzing results and making recommendations for full-scale implementation.
  • Engage directly with vendors for benchtop, pilot line, and commercial scale requests, including troubleshooting product and process opportunities in formulation functionality and shelf-life.
  • Engage with vendors in new strategic platform development, product improvement, and line extensions via technical briefs and discussions.
  • Participate in product development conversations through product sampling, technical communication, and presentations as technical touchpoint to customers related to new product development, product improvement, and specification improvement of value-added products.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to address quality or yield issues of individual product specifications and processes.
  • Communicate technical development activities like design of experiment, costing, data analysis, etc. to cross-functional teams with simplicity.
  • Collaborate with Operations, OE, R&O, Category Marketing, and QA teams on new product development and product/process renovation for quality and yield opportunities.
  • Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Innovation, Sales, Culinary, Operations, QA, Regulatory, and Procurement teams in accordance to stage-gate process.
  • Collaborate with sensory and R&O teams to validate sensory outcomes and shelf-life requirements.
  • Prepare technical data collection plans and results reports independently.
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Other duties as assigned


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Poultry Science, Engineering, or related field required
    • BS & 2-5 years of relevant, hands on, industry experience
    • MS & 0-2 years of relevant, hands on, industry experience
  • Experience working in food manufacturing facility, operations, or continuous improvement strongly preferred.
  • Product development experience in the food industry required and meat protein space is strongly preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and experience communicating with customers in a professional setting is strongly preferred.
  • Well-versed in Project Management Systems and Recipe Development (e.g., SAP).
  • Good understanding of USDA and/or FDA guidelines with occasional support from manager.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft TEAMS / Cisco Webex.
  • Ability to travel 30-40% of the time to plants and customers.
  • Can perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation
  • As a salaried position with the company, you may be required to travel at some point to other facilities, to attend Company events, or as a representative of the Company in other situations. Unless otherwise specified in this posting, the amount of travel may vary and the most qualified candidate must be willing and able to travel as business needs dictate.


The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:
  • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
  • Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
  • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
  • Base salary range of $80,000-$90,000;
  • Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company's annual bonus plan, the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; and
  • Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.


For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in states where it is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for any given position, compensation ranges are specific to those states and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to a candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiencies for the role.

This position does not have an application deadline. We will continue to recruit until the position has been filled.

Unsolicited Assistance: JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.

About Pilgrim's

Pilgrim's Careers

Joining Pilgrim's global team offers a unique opportunity to advance a career in an environment where innovation, leadership, and diversity training are at the forefront of the industry. Pilgrim's, a leader in the food industry, is renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainable practices.

Explore Job Opportunities

Pilgrim's offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Whether it's in management, operations, or customer service, Pilgrim's is actively hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate about the food industry and eager to make a significant impact.

Internship Programs

Pilgrim's internship programs provide invaluable industry experience and a pathway to full-time employment. Interns at Pilgrim's gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and contributing to real-world projects that enhance their skills and prepare them for future career opportunities.

Professional Growth and Benefits

Pilgrim's is dedicated to the professional growth of its team members, offering robust training programs and opportunities for advancement. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that support their health, well-being, and financial security. The company culture promotes continuous learning and encourages team members to reach their full potential.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

The culture at Pilgrim's is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where diversity is valued and every team member's contribution is recognized. Pilgrim's diversity training programs are designed to foster an inclusive workplace that promotes mutual respect and teamwork.

Leadership and Innovation

At Pilgrim's, leadership and innovation go hand in hand. The company empowers its team to lead with confidence and creativity, driving the industry forward through innovative practices and solutions. Pilgrim's leadership is committed to maintaining a culture where new ideas are welcomed and rewarded.

Networking and Career Development

Pilgrim's encourages professional networking and career development through various platforms and events. These opportunities allow team members to connect with industry leaders, enhance their professional network, and discover new career paths within the company.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at Pilgrim's, candidates should prepare a resume that highlights relevant experience and skills. The interview process at Pilgrim's is designed to assess not only professional qualifications but also a candidate's fit within the company culture. Interested individuals can explore open positions and submit their applications through the Pilgrim's Jobs portal.

Stay Connected with Pilgrim's Careers

Keep up to date with the latest news, job openings, and industry insights by following Pilgrim's Careers. Prospective candidates can also sign up for job alert emails, tailored to their preferences and professional interests, ensuring they don't miss out on exciting and rewarding opportunities at Pilgrim's.

Join the Team

Pilgrim's is looking for curious, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to contribute to a leading global company. Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the Pilgrim's Jobs portal today.

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