Food Scientist

Posted:
2/11/2026, 3:55:13 AM

Location(s):
Chicago, Illinois, United States ⋅ Illinois, United States

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level

Field(s):
Product

Workplace Type:
On-site

Reporting to the Manager, Research & Development, you will support product development and innovation for our Meat Snacks Food Design team. You will bring a food‑forward and culinary‑focused perspective to create new products and enhance existing ones. Working onsite at our Innovation Tech Center in Downtown Chicago, you will explore consumer trends and translate insights into appealing innovations that strengthen Conagra’s snacking portfolio.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

  • Develop new Meat Snack products from concept through commercialization

  • Lead product cuttings, support plant trials, and assist with product startups and testing

  • Work with pilot plant equipment to develop and refine prototypes

  • Use online specification systems, design experiments, and prepare results for review

  • Understand consumer demand spaces and develop prototypes that satisfy customers

  • Travel up to 40% as needed to support projects and plant trials

Ingredients Required for Your Success

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or related field

  • 3+ years of experience in meat product development

  • Knowledge of ingredient functionality and cost optimization

  • Curiosity for consumer demand and innovation across the consumer packaged goods and culinary space

  • Background in food product design, formulation, process design, product scale‑up, plant testing, and commercialization

  • Comfortable working in manufacturing environments with varying conditions (noise, heat, cold, wet surfaces, and exposure to all food allergens)

You will be onsite 4 days each week.

Relocation is available for this position, preference for local candidates if applicable.

#LI-Onsite
#LI-MH1
#LI-Associate

Compensation: 

Pay Range:$63,000-$93,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.