Job Description

Job Location: Galesburg IL Main Street - Galesburg, IL 61401
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Salary
Travel Percentage: Up to 50%
Job Shift: Day
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.
The Research and Development Technician will be responsible for helping drive product innovation, development, and improvement by executing key tasks in the R&D department. This role is ideal for someone enthusiastic about creating meat products, with a powerful desire to learn, teach, and collaborate. The R&D Technician will help in the product development process, improve existing products, and work together with plants and FSQA teams to establish and maintain standards and specifications. Start date is flexible.

Essential Duties:
- Execute new product and line extension sample trial production, from processing to packaging, to create high quality and tasty meat snacks
- Help test new processes and equipment when necessary
- Maintain detailed records of experiments, formulations, smokehouse schedules, and test results, and create reports for management and regulatory purposes
- Assist in educating others, and create training programs for products and processes where applicable
- Create and manage product specifications, and communicate and administer specifications to the plants and FSQA teams
- Assist in the continual optimization of smokehouse performance across all plants
- Perform packaging feasibility testing
- Help organize and execute product launches within the plants, working with all related departments
- Other duties as assigned
The ideal candidate will have:
- B.S. in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field
- Ability to travel up to 50% of time
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Experience in food processing industry, ideally meat
- Knowledge of meat processing techniques, food safety standards, and sensory evaluation preferred
- Qualities of a self-starter, analytical person, detail-oriented, collaborative, able to lead change, and continuously driven to improve processes
- Workable knowledge in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word & PowerPoint, and ability to learn new systems
Physical Demand:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move around each facility and be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to climb ladders and platforms as needed.

Work Environment:
The employee must be able to work in hot or cold environments and the ability to stand on concrete for extended periods of time. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee must wear all safety equipment, including ear protection.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Career development opportunities
- 401k match program.
If you are passionate about food innovation and eager to contribute to a growing industry, apply today to join our R&D team!