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Meat Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$49K - $64K/yr

Applied Sciences and Natural Resources Title: Meat and Poultry Inspector #00427 State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I Hiring Range: $49,392 - $64,680 annually Pay Band: 4 Agency: Virginia ...

At Prime Meats, we've been delivering premium-quality proteins since 1992, serving restaurants ... College degree in Food Science or related field with HACCP certification. * Quality Control ...

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

You'll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to develop cutting-edge technical projects that transform the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether leading a small team on medium to large ...

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

You'll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to develop cutting-edge technical projects that transform the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether leading a small team on medium to large ...

You'll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to develop cutting-edge technical projects that transform the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether leading a small team on medium to large ...

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Showing results 1-20

Meat Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$90.2K

$158.6K

How much do meat scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for meat scientist in Virginia is $90,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a meat scientist do?

A Meat Scientist studies the properties, quality, safety, and processing of meat products. They work to enhance meat production efficiency, improve product quality, ensure food safety, and develop new meat products. Their role involves research, testing, and collaboration with farmers, processors, and regulatory agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat scientist?

To thrive as a Meat Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, animal science, or a related field, with expertise in meat processing, microbiology, and quality assurance. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations (like HACCP), and analytical testing software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are highly valued in this role. These capabilities are critical for ensuring meat product quality, safety, and innovation within the food industry.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a meat scientist?

Meat Scientists often begin in research, product development, or quality assurance roles within food production companies or research organizations. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to advance to senior scientist, project manager, or leadership positions overseeing teams or entire R&D departments. Some professionals also transition into regulatory affairs, technical sales, or academic research. Career growth is often driven by gaining hands-on experience, earning advanced degrees, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. This field offers a dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration can open doors to diverse career paths.

How do you become a meat scientist?

To become a meat scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in meat science, animal science, food science, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research roles. Gaining experience through internships, understanding meat processing techniques, and developing skills in microbiology and food safety are also important for this profession.

How much does a meat scientist make?

A meat scientist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or management roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Scientist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Meat Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Scientist jobs in Virginia?

For Meat Scientist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Meat Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Meat Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,181 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Technical Services

Smithfield Foods

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Are you an ambitious, enthusiastic leader with a desire to drive to the green in achieving goals and producing good food, responsibly for families across America? If so, then join one of the country's top consumer packaged goods companies, Smithfield Foods! This leadership role in technical services will focus on product and process improvements to deliver improvements across our manufacturing platforms. Responsibilities include providing technical support to our business partners, direct interaction with customer, leveraging vendors, and mentorship.

Responsibilities

Product and Process Improvements

  • Primary focus will be within the plants to achieve operational excellence and continuous improvements

  • Travel up to 80% of the time to meet with business partners

  • Work with cross functional groups to identify operational needs pertaining to operational excellence: safety, cost, quality, customer service, production efficiencies, etc.

  • Develop and execute research plans by conducting production scale tests at manufacturing plants to achieve specific goals and objectives

Prevent Process Deviations and Quality Failures

  • Proactively work to prevent process or product failures

  • Work within our operational framework of On the Job Trainers (OJT) to establish job aids and training documents

  • Develop plans within our operational framework of MIQ to establish process controls

Project Progress Updates and Feedback

  • You will also be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, writing protocols and summaries, and presenting your findings and recommendations to executive leadership

  • Regularly present progress updates to members of Technical Services, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Quality Assurance

  • Communicate with external parties such as customers, vendors, and third parties

Leadership and Mentorship

  • Drive organizational capability by developing, nurturing, leading and mentoring junior team members.

  • Help identifying emerging leaders, drivinginvestments in new talent, and ensuring high levels of employee engagement across the group

  • Stay up-to-date on the latest advances in food science and technology

  • Provide leadership and mentorship to individuals within organization

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field and 12+ years of experience in the food industry; preference towards meat; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

  • 5+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include working in teams and mentorship

  • Solid understanding of end-to-end processes of meat packing to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions

  • Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)

  • Demonstrate organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills to manage and deliver projects on time

  • Work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment

  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment

Work Environment & Physical Demands

  • On a regular basis required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.

  • Occasionally required to stoop and crouch under equipment.

  • Lift and/or move up to 50 pound or more in some

  • The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.

The expected pay range for this position is $140,000 - $182,500 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of thesalary or hourly wagethe company reasonably expects to pay for a positionat the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.