Staff Meat Scientist

Pay Range: $130,000+ based on experience and qualifications Summary: The Staff Meat Scientist supports the technical definition of Home Market Foods' ground and comminuted meat blends. This is a hands-on, deep-technical individual contributor role responsible for identifying, validating, and codifying the formula parameters that govern blend composition, yield, texture, and cost across the company's portfolio. The position supports formulation, yield, and equipment performance for measurable, repeatable anchor points particularly as facilities, equipment settings, and raw-material sources evolve. The Staff Meat Scientist translates raw-material variability into controlled, specification-driven blends that deliver consistent quality at planned cost, working at the intersection of procurement and operations. Key Responsibilities Blend Formulation & Parameter Definition Define the controlling formula parameters for all ground and comminuted meat blends — chemical lean (CL) targets, fat analysis and fat capping, protein, moisture, collagen/connective-tissue limits, and added-ingredient functional levels. Build and maintain least-cost formulation models that optimize across available trim streams (chemical lean) while holding finished-product specifications constant. Establish acceptable substitution ranges and blend tolerances so that raw-material variability can be absorbed without compromising finished-product specification. Translate target eating quality and label requirements into quantitative blend specifications. Yield, Cost & Performance Standardization Define, measure, and standardize formulation yields — raw-to-cook yield, purge, shrink, and moisture/fat loss — and establish the baseline metrics against which formula and process changes are evaluated. Partner with the Industrialization team to quantify the cost and yield impact of formulation decisions, providing Procurement with the technical basis for trim-buying and blend-economic trade-offs. Identify the "anchor points" that allow formulation and yield performance to be monitored as standing KPIs. Scale-Up & Equipment Validation Lead bench and pilot-plant formulation work and own the transfer of validated formulas to full-scale production. Validate that formulas perform reproducibly on existing and newly installed equipment (grinders, mixers/blenders, emulsion mills, formers), characterizing equipment performance and demonstrated throughput as inputs to the blend specification. Diagnose formulation- and equipment-driven sources of yield loss, texture defects, or quality variance on the production floor, and define corrective specifications. Support the technical evaluation of capital equipment by tying vendor performance and demonstrated rates to formulation and yield outcomes. Cross-Functional & Technical Support Provide formulation inputs for new-product development and the Stage Gate process, ensuring new blends are sourceable, manufacturable, and cost-validated. Partner with FSQA and R&D so that blend specifications align with quality, regulatory, and labeling requirements. Document all formula parameters, tolerances, and validation results so that blend knowledge resides in controlled specifications . Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science, or a closely related discipline (advanced degree a plus). Demonstrated hands-on R&D bench and pilot-plant formulation experience with ground or comminuted meat products. Working knowledge of meat blend composition and functionality — chemical lean and fat analysis, least-cost blending, bind/texture, water-holding capacity, pH, and cook yield. Direct experience with plant-floor scale-up and equipment validation — taking a formula from bench to full production and confirming reproducibility on processing equipment. Quantitative orientation: comfort building and interpreting formulation, yield, and cost models. Proven experience of successfully collaborating across multiple functions, especially R&D, FSQA, Procurement, Production and Finance. Preferred USDA/FSIS regulatory and labeling fluency (standards of identity, fat/lean labeling, species declaration). Familiarity with raw-material markets and trim grading as they relate to blend economics. Experience standardizing formulation and yield metrics across multiple facilities or equipment configurations. Sensory evaluation experience for meat products. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those required to perform this job's essential functions. The role requires good vision, manual dexterity, and the ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods. Preparedness to work in varied environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and weather conditions, while adhering to safety regulations. Use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is mandatory in designated areas of the facility. Exciting Benefits Await You! Enjoy top-tier Medical, Dental, Vision coverage. Pamper your furry friends with Pet Insurance. Stay fit with our Wellness Plan and Gym Reimbursement. Boost your skills with Employee Tuition Reimbursement. Unlock endless opportunities with College Scholarship for dependents. Reap the Rewards of Our Bonus Program Available to Our Salary and Hourly Employees. Receive a Generous 401k Company Match. Take advantage of Competitive Paid Time Off. Elevate Your Safety Net with Company-Sponsored Life Insurance Coverage. Receive Relocation Assistance for a Smooth Transition. Earn Rewards through our Employee Bonus Referral Program. Elevate Your Workplace Experience with Community Impact Opportunities. Celebrate Together with Team Events and Seasonal Workplace Gatherings. Opportunity Calls! Unsure if you meet all requirements? Don't hesitate, apply! Our recruitment process is prompt and transparent. Your resume will receive swift attention from our talent professionals. If chosen, you'll undergo a recruiter phone screen, followed by interviews with key team members. We value your potential. At Home Market Foods, we champion equal opportunities for all, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and more. Our commitment extends across all aspects of employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace. At this time, Home Market Foods will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position for the following work visas: STEM OPT EAD, H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, O-1, J-1, or TN