Pet Food Scientist (Salisbury, MD, US, 21804)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive innovation in pet nutrition and help shape the future of our product portfolio. The Pet Food Scientist plays a critical role in developing and improving high-quality pet food products that support our business and brand objectives. This role plans and executes product development projects with cross-functional support, contributing to new product launches, quality enhancements, cost optimization initiatives, and ongoing technical brand maintenance. By combining scientific expertise with practical application, the Pet Food Scientist helps bring nutritious, reliable, and market-ready products from concept through commercialization.

This position is remote and may be performed from anywhere within the United States.

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $102,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off. 

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to applicable safety, regulatory, GMP requirements in lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing facilities.  Assist in writing new policy and procedures as needed.
• Develop projects to grow top line volume in support of New Product Development as a % of revenue goals.  Conduct required lab, pilot plant, and plant experimentation with minimal direction and support.
• Proficient knowledge in Product Development process of materials, animal nutritional requirements, food processes, sensory testing, consumer testing, NPD stage gate process, costing, plant trials commercialization, and related processes.
• Document all development work accurately. This includes written documentation of lab work, product showing, and plant trials with minimum guidance.
• Prepare accurate and timely specifications for all products developed.  This includes materials, formulas, processes and finished products with minimal guidance.
• Foundational knowledge of customer/consumer needs for assigned products and channels.  Understand who the consumer is and how they use our products.
• Interact cross-functionally with Marketing, Purchasing, QA and Operations to successfully implement new products, processes, or packaging.
• Lead product cuttings and discussions to evaluate product attributes.
• Up to 25% travel is required.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Food/Meat Science, nutrition, packaging or Food Engineering.
• 2-5 years related work experience.
• Requires knowledge of the product development process from idea generation, bench top, scale up and commercialization.
• Ability to influence necessary cross functional partners for successful implementation of projects.
• Requires clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Should understand manufacturing processes and the sequence of events necessary to convert raw materials to finished products.
• Must be able to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Food/Meat Science, nutrition, packaging or Food Engineering.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is sedentary and mobile. Will require working in a plant environment and helping the production line as needed and working in the pilot plant.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another. Capable of lifting 50lbs.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work activity that is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• Will need to work with the plant to understand the plant personnel’s job activities.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

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Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.