Job DescriptionTo save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.
FSQ CORPORATE STAFF ESCIENTIST/ASSOCIATE SENIOR SCIENTIST - FOODSERVICE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (AUSTIN, MN)This position reports directly to Development Leader - Product Development - Research and Development.
Relocation is eligible for this role.
Travel: 20-30%
The position offered will be either a Scientist or Associate Senior Scientist position based on experience and qualifications.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Foodservice Product Development Scientist is responsible for developing and commercializing food products that meet customer expectations and business objectives. This role leverages expertise in food science, meat science, and/or culinary arts to transform concepts into commercially viable products while ensuring quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing feasibility.
Working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, the Product Development Scientist applies scientific knowledge, process expertise, and culinary insight to develop, optimize, and scale products from concept through launch. In addition to supporting customer-driven and business-led initiatives, this role leads and contributes to blue-sky and white-space innovation projects that identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and breakthrough opportunities for future growth. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver differentiated foodservice solutions and advance the company's innovation pipeline.
Responsibilities- Lead and manage multiple product development initiatives of varying complexity, coordinating cross-functional resources to deliver projects on time and within business objectives.
- Partner closely with other Foodservice Product Development Scientists to generate ideas, solve technical challenges, share best practices, and advance innovation projects that support team, customer, and business goals.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to translate requirements into actionable development plans, solve technical challenges, and deliver differentiated foodservice solutions.
- Conduct benchtop and pilot-scale experimentation using food processing equipment and manufacturing technologies.
- Design, execute, and analyze product, ingredient, and process evaluations to support innovation, quality, cost, and operational goals.
- Coordinate and execute plant trials, partnering with Operations and FSQ teams to ensure successful scale-up and implementation.
- Identify and develop new product concepts, ingredient technologies, and white-space opportunities that support long-term growth.
- Serve as a technical resource on formulations, ingredients, processing technologies, and product performance.
- Maintain project documentation, formulations, specifications, and technical reports using product development and business systems.
- Present project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Arts, or related discipline.
- 2 + years of experience in R&D, product development, or related field
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities, customers, and industry events
- Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
- Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.
- A M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field.
- Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential from the Research Chefs Association (RCA)
- Experience in foodservice, protein/meat products, or value-added products product development
- Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, thermal processes, and regulatory requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:Required
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Arts, or related discipline.
- 2 + years of experience in R&D, product development, or related field
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities, customers, and industry events
- Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
- Must be 18 years of age or older
Preferred
- A M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field.
- Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential from the Research Chefs Association (RCA)
- Experience in foodservice, protein/meat products, or value-added products product development
- Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, thermal processes, and regulatory requirements
- Demonstrated ability to apply culinary expertise alongside food science principles to drive innovation
BENEFITS: Hormel Foods offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus bonus, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, non-contributory pension, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid vacation, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees.
The base pay range for this position $74,325-$122,222 per year; however, actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills set, level of experience, and specific office location.
At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/
