Product Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

Hormel Foods Corporation

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS - 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts.  For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. hormelfoods.com.

SCIENTIST/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/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.