PRINCIPAL R&D SCIENTIST-SAUSAGE

Pilgrim's • $125K — $150K *
Greeley, CO 80634In-Person
Food & Beverages
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Meat Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or similar required.
  • 12-15 years industry experience preferred with Bachelor's, or 8+ years with Master's.
  • Extensive experience in sausage product development and processing technologies.
  • Strong background in R&D, commercialization, and plant startup activities.
  • Expertise in various sausage processing methods and food safety regulations.
  • Proven ability to address complex challenges in manufacturing environments.
  • Effective self-directed leader capable of managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead sausage product development from concept to commercialization.
  • Optimize products and manufacturing processes through expertise in formulation and ingredient functionality.
  • Drive innovation and reduce risks via research and data-driven experimentation.
  • Oversee scale-up and pilot trials for product transition to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges during manufacturing startups and ensure smooth implementation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for successful product launches.
  • Support optimization and scalability of new equipment and processing systems.

Benefits

  • Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage after 60 days of employment.
  • Paid Time Off including sick leave, vacation, and 6 company holidays.
  • 401(k) plan with company match after one year of service.
  • Eligibility for annual bonus based on performance.
  • Focus on career development with continuous learning opportunities.
Full Job Description
Description

Principal R&D Scientist-Sausage
Role Summary: Pilgrim's Research & Development is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our team in Greeley, CO at our Corporate Headquarters. This person will be a senior technical leader within R&D responsible for driving innovation, product development, commercialization, and process improvements across multiple sausage product platforms. This role leads complex initiatives that support business growth, manufacturing startups, and operational optimization. As part of the company's technical leadership track, the position emphasizes expertise, innovation, and cross-functional influence rather than direct people management. The role reflects the organization's commitment to strengthening technical excellence and advanced R&D capabilities. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced, hands-on expert in sausage formulation, processing technologies, and commercialization. They must be able to guide projects from development through manufacturing startup while serving as a trusted technical resource across the business. Through deep technical knowledge and collaborative leadership, this individual will help advance the company's sausage product and process capabilities.
Our ideal candidate will sit in our Greeley, CO Corporate Headquarters.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead end-to-end sausage product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring products meet targets for flavor, texture, yield, shelf life, food safety, and cost.
  • Leverage deep expertise in sausage formulation, emulsion systems, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies to optimize products and manufacturing processes.
  • Drive innovation and reduce commercialization risk through ingredient research, evaluation of emerging technologies, and data-driven experimentation.
  • Lead scale-up, pilot, plant trial, and commercialization activities to successfully transition products from development to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Drive manufacturing startups and production ramp-ups, troubleshooting technical and operational challenges to ensure smooth implementation.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to deliver successful product launches.
  • Support the commissioning, optimization, and scalability of new equipment, processing systems, and manufacturing capabilities while ensuring technical readiness throughout development.
  • Serve as the technical authority for sausage product and process development, establishing best practices in formulation, process optimization, product performance, and manufacturing startup.
  • Build organizational capability by mentoring scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams while strengthening technical rigor and problem-solving expertise.
  • Influence technical strategy and drive cross-functional alignment through collaboration, deep expertise, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Support development of scalable and differentiated product platforms across multiple business channels
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for revenue growth, margin improvement, and operational efficiency
  • Contribute technical expertise to customer engagements, innovation initiatives, and commercialization planning
  • Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive activity, and evolving consumer preferences within protein and prepared foods categories
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related discipline required
  • With Bachelors degree: 12-15 years in the industry strongly preferred
  • With Masters degree: 8+ years of industry experience strongly preferred
  • Extensive experience in sausage product development, including formulation, meat systems, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
  • Strong background in R&D, commercialization, pilot production, manufacturing scale-up, and plant startup activities.
  • Expertise in sausage processing methods, including grinding, mixing, stuffing, thermal processing, chilling, packaging, and yield optimization.
  • Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP, sanitary equipment design, and commercialization readiness.
  • Proven ability to solve complex technical and operational challenges in manufacturing environments while driving process improvements.
  • Strong self-directed leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, effectively managing multiple priorities while operating with a high degree of autonomy.
  • Excellent collaborator and communicator with an entrepreneurial mindset, skilled at building processes, driving cross-functional partnerships, and creating structure in evolving organizations.
  • Ability to travel 50% to our facilities in IA
  • 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 $125,000-$150,000
  • 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.


The posted salary range represents the Company's good faith estimate of the compensation that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, tenure, internal equity, market data, and may vary accordingly.

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

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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Food & Beverages
* Ladders Estimates

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