What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research and Development Optimization Technologist position at Clemens Family Corporation?
R&D Optimization Technologist I
Location: Hatfield, PA (On-site)
Travel Required: 15%
Why Join Clemens Food Group?
Clemens Food Group is a leading, family-owned pork business that puts people first and invests in innovation. We’re vertically integrated, which means you’ll be part of a team that sees the full picture—from farm to table. If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to solve meaningful problems, you’ll find a place where your work matters here.
The Impact You’ll Make
In this role, you’ll be at the heart of operational improvement—identifying opportunities to enhance product quality, reduce waste, improve yields, and implement more efficient, sustainable production processes. Your work will directly influence cost savings (targeting $250K annually), product performance, and innovation across our portfolio.
What You’ll Do
- Lead optimization projects from kickoff to implementation across production, quality, and supply chain
- Run technical tests and shelf-life studies; participate in sensory reviews and product evaluations
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, FSQA, Ops, Procurement) to improve material usage, ingredient function, and dry goods sourcing
- Troubleshoot production issues and suggest improvements based on data and field input
- Ensure compliance with labeling and regulatory requirements
- Apply lean and continuous improvement principles in every project
- Travel to our production facilities to implement changes hands-on (15% travel)
What Makes This Role Exciting?
- You’ll own and lead real projects with measurable impact on operations
- Work with multiple departments and gain exposure to the full product lifecycle
- Be a change agent bringing innovation and data-driven solutions to a vital industry
- Experience variety—no two projects are the same, and you’ll constantly face new challenges
- See your work move from the lab to the production floor to the customer’s table
What We’re Looking For
- Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, or a related field
- 0–3 years of experience in food manufacturing or technical project management
- Hands-on understanding of manufacturing optimization, process improvement, and production efficiency
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working independently and with cross-functional teams
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar project tools
Skills & Mindset That Set You Apart
- Curious and data-driven; you ask “why” and push for better ways
- Action-oriented with a bias for solving root problems, not symptoms
- Comfortable managing projects in dynamic, production-based environments
- Great communicator who can bridge the gap between technical, operational, and regulatory teams
- Eager to learn lean principles and apply them to real-world challenges
Your Future at Clemens
This role is designed to open doors. With exposure to R&D, FSQA, operations, and leadership, you’ll be uniquely positioned to grow into senior roles across the company. Whether you want to deepen your technical expertise or step into leadership, Clemens is committed to helping you build a meaningful career.
Application Note:
Clemens Food Group is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes submitted by search or staffing firms to any employee at Clemens Food Group via email, the Internet, or directly without a valid written search agreement for this role, and without having been asked to participate in this search, will be deemed the sole property of Clemens Food Group, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired. Firms not authorized to submit candidates will not be eligible for any fee or ownership claim.
Salary : $250,000
