Job Description

SCIENTIST/SENIOR SCIENTIST- PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Research & Development   - Hormel Foods Corporation (Austin, MN)

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

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, 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. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Research & Development Scientist/Senior Scientist to drive product and process optimization initiatives across our Retail and Food Service business units.  This role is responsible for improving product quality, increasing plant efficiencies, and identifying cost‑reduction opportunities while ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory expectations.

In addition, this position will investigate and evaluate emerging front‑end technologies, such as novel thermal and non-thermal processing, innovative food manufacturing systems, automation capabilities, and new ingredient solutions, to establish future innovation platforms for product portfolio. 

The ideal candidate blends strong scientific expertise with practical, hands on problem solving abilities, and enjoys working in an environment that bridges benchtop experimentation, plant line trials, and cross‑functional teamwork.

Candidates with strong foundational experience will be considered for the Scientist level, while those with demonstrated leadership in complex projects, advanced technical skills, and significant industry experience may be considered for the Senior Scientist level.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Process Optimization

• Independently identifies project opportunities and plans, formulates and conducts research to develop new or modify existing processes.
• Ability to understand and perform scientific benchtop work, which may include running pilot plant equipment, using complex software, conducting laboratory methods, training others on technical methods, etc..
• Conduct research to optimize formulations, ingredient systems, and processing parameters to enhance yield, functionality, shelf life, and sensory attributes.
• Partner with plant operations to diagnose and solve process challenges, evaluate capability constraints, and implement sustainable improvements.
• Develop and execute cost‑savings projects through ingredient optimization, process efficiencies, and yield enhancement strategies.

Front‑End Technology Exploration

• Identify, research, and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, ingredients, and processing systems that can support next-generation innovation platforms.
• Assess technical feasibility, scalability, and potential business impact of new technologies.
• Provide clear recommendations on development pathways, required investments, and implementation timelines.

Research & Technical Leadership

• Design and execute well‑structured experiments, pilot runs, and line trials using sound scientific methodology.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to generate actionable insights, technical reports, and recommendations to cross functional team leadership.
• Serve as a technical resource for cross-functional teams, providing expertise in formulation, processing, capability assessment, and food safety.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with Operations, FSQ, Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering, and other key stakeholders.

Project Management

• Lead multiple complex projects, from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.
• Proactively manage project risks and are able to quickly adapt plans based on new scientific results, data driven insights, shifting priorities, and business needs.
• Communicate project status, risks, learnings, and recommendations clearly and proactively.

Technical Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate strong capability in:

• Complex Project Management

• Research & Experimental Design 

• Scientific & Technical Skills 

• Data Analysis & Research Reporting 

• Pilot Plant & Production Integration

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related discipline.
• Strong analytical skills with experience designing and executing experiments.
• Demonstrated success working in cross‑functional and processing facilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams,
• 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. 

Preferred

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science, Meat Science, or related discipline.
• Prior experience in cooked, cured, smoked and/or ready-to-eat meat products and/or shelf-stable consumer foods.
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies, equipment, or ingredients.
• Hands‑on experience running or troubleshooting pilot plant equipment or processing systems.

• Exposure to emerging food technologies or automation systems.

LOCATION: Austin, MN (Relocation assistance is available)

TRAVEL: 20-30%

BENEFITS: Hormel Foods offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus target incentive, discretionary annual merit increase, annual performance review, medical, dental, vision, non-contributory pension, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid personal time (PTO), FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range.  The base hiring pay range for this role is between $73,000-$135,000 per year, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market 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 Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.