Food Scientist

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

As a Food Scientist, you'll play a hands-on role in bringing innovative, high-quality food products to life while supporting the company's broader business goals. You'll lead and contribute to multiple projects with a high level of ownership, partnering cross-functionally to develop new products, enhance and optimize existing ones, and drive cost and quality improvements. From concept to commercialization, this role offers the opportunity to apply your technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to make a meaningful impact on our brands and the products consumers enjoy every day.

The salary range for this position is $63,000 - $95,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Promote applicable safety, regulatory, GMP requirements in lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing facilities. Assist in writing new policies and procedures as needed.
• Execute with minimal guidance multiple projects to grow top line volume in support of New Product Development as a % of Revenue goals, cost savings or improvements. Conduct and lead required lab, pilot plant, and plant experimentation.
• Proficient knowledge of Product Development of materials, food processes, sensory testing, consumer testing, NPD stage gate process, costing, plant trials commercialization, and related processes.
• Document all development work accurately. This includes written documentation of lab work, product showing, and plant trials with minimal guidance.
• Prepare accurate and timely specifications for all products developed for materials, formulas, processes and finished product with minimal guidance.
• Proficient in the knowledge of customer/consumer needs for assigned products and channels. Understand who the consumer is and how they use our products.
• Interact cross-functionally with Marketing, Purchasing, QA and Operations to successfully implement new product developments.
• Lead Product Showings to evaluate products.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Food/Meat Science with 2-4 years related work experience OR Master's/PhD with 0-2 years of experience.
• Knowledge of the product development process from idea generation, bench top, scale up and commercialization.
• Ability to influence necessary cross functional partners for successful implementation of projects.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of ingredients including functionality, allergen considerations and cost.
• Understanding of food manufacturing processes and the sequence of events necessary to convert raw materials to finished products.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is sedentary and mobile. Will require working in an office, lab and in the pilot plant.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another. Capable of lifting 50lbs.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work activity that is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

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Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.