R & D Technician at WESTERN SMOKEHOUSE PARTNERS

Galesburg, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Dec, 25

Salary

70000.0

Posted On

28 Sep, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Product Development, Quality Control, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Food Safety, Ingredient Research, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Communication, Teamwork, Regulatory Compliance, Prototyping, Nutritional Standards, Market Trends, Food Science, Meat Industry

Industry

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Description

Job Details Job Location: Galesburg IL Main Street - Galesburg, IL Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $60000.00 - $70000.00 Salary Travel Percentage: Up to 50% Job Shift: Day Description Join the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners! We’re more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we’re a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With seven facilities across four states, we’re setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry-leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Western Smokehouse Partners is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research and Development (R&D) Technician to join our team in the meat snack industry. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance our range of meat-based snack sticks. You will assist in product development, testing, and optimization to ensure the delivery of high-quality, flavorful, and market-leading meat snacks. This position is ideal for someone passionate about food innovation and looking to build a career in the food industry, particularly within the protein snack space. Key Responsibilities: Product Development Support: Assist in the formulation and development of new meat snack products, ensuring alignment with industry trends, customer preferences, and nutritional standards. Specification Development: Develop and create detailed specifications and assist with production implementation. Ingredient Research: Explore new ingredients, flavors, and techniques to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of meat snacks. Product Testing and Prototyping(R and D Center): Assist in the creation of prototypes for new products, conducting taste tests, texture analysis, and shelf-life evaluations. Quality Control: Help ensure the consistency and safety of products by performing quality checks and adhering to regulatory and safety standards throughout the R&D process. Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and analyze data from trials and tests, providing insights and recommendations for product improvement. Collaboration with Teams: Work closely with production, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure successful commercialization of new products. Regulatory Compliance: Assist in ensuring all products meet relevant food safety, labeling, and industry regulations. Smokehouse Compliance: Ability to travel to our facilities and conduct research trials and verify smokehouse compliance Benefits: Competitive salary Health, dental, and vision insurance Career development opportunities 401k match program. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field. Experience or strong interest in the meat industry, specifically in snack sticks, is a plus. Basic understanding of food science principles, ingredient functionality, and product development processes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Familiarity with food safety and regulatory standards (HACCP, USDA, FDA) is a plus. Travel required up to 50% but negotiable. Job based in Galesburg, IL Preferred Skills: Prior internship or work experience in food manufacturing or product development. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting. Microsoft 365 If you are passionate about food innovation and eager to contribute to a growing industry, apply today to join our R&D team!

Responsibilities

The R&D Technician will assist in the formulation and development of new meat snack products, ensuring they meet industry trends and customer preferences. They will also conduct product testing and quality control to maintain high standards.