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Food Scientist Product Development

Pilgrim's

Greeley, COOn Site

Original Job Summary

About the Role

The Food Scientist Product Development position at Pilgrim's is part of the largest global poultry company. Based in Greeley, Colorado, this role involves developing new products and optimizing existing ones to meet customer and operational needs while maintaining quality, cost, and yield targets.

Main Responsibilities

  • Develop new products and improve current offerings.
  • Execute pilot product development through commercialization.
  • Engage with vendors for product trials, troubleshooting, and strategic development.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Operations, OE, R&O, QA, Marketing, Innovation, Culinary, Regulatory, Procurement, and Sales.
  • Communicate technical development outcomes including experiments, costing, and data analysis.
  • Prepare technical reports and manage product sampling and presentations.
  • Travel up to 50% for various business needs.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science (or related field such as Meat or Poultry Science, Engineering).
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience for BS, or 0-2 years for MS holders.
  • Experience in food manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement is preferred.
  • Knowledge in Project Management Systems and Recipe Development tools (e.g., SAP).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and collaboration tools like Microsoft TEAMS or Cisco Webex.
  • Understanding of USDA/FDA guidelines and ability to adapt work functions as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a salaried position offering a base salary between $60,000 and $70,000, with eligibility for annual bonus plan. Benefits include medical, vision, dental coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) with company match after the first year. Career development opportunities are provided.

Key Skills/Competency

  • Food Science
  • Product Development
  • Pilot Development
  • Quality Assurance
  • Process Improvement
  • Vendor Management
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Sensory Validation
  • Recipe Development

How to Get Hired at Pilgrim's

🎯 Tips for Getting Hired

  • Research Pilgrim's culture: Understand mission, values, and industry news.
  • Customize your resume: Tailor skills to food science and product development.
  • Highlight technical expertise: Emphasize SAP, Microsoft Excel, and process improvement.
  • Prepare for interview: Practice discussing cross-functional projects and vendor experiences.

📝 Interview Preparation Advice

Technical Preparation

Review SAP and production systems.
Practice design of experiments techniques.
Analyze pilot development data effectively.
Study food safety and regulatory guidelines.

Behavioral Questions

Describe cross-team collaboration experiences.
Explain challenges in vendor management.
Discuss handling tight project deadlines.
Share examples of problem-solving in projects.