What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research & Development Technologist position at Clemens Family Corporation?
Drive Innovation in Protein Product Development
Location: Hatfield, PA (On-Site) | Full-Time | Travel Required: 5%
Why Join Clemens Food Group?
At Clemens Food Group, we don’t just create food – we shape the future of protein innovation. As a people-driven organization, we offer an ultra-collaborative environment where technical expertise meets hands-on impact. If you thrive on innovation, problem-solving, and working cross-functionally to bring ideas to life, this role is for you.
The Impact You’ll Make
As an R&D Technologist, you will play a key role in leading new product development and driving continuous improvement. You’ll guide projects from concept to commercialization, working closely with operations, sales, regulatory, and quality assurance teams to optimize our product portfolio. Whether it’s refining formulations, troubleshooting production challenges, or supporting large-scale facility startups, your work will shape the success of our products in the marketplace.
What You’ll Do
✅ Lead end-to-end product development – from ideation and formulation to plant trials and commercialization
✅ Partner with cross-functional teams (operations, sales, regulatory, and QA) to ensure products meet quality and compliance standards
✅ Conduct technical troubleshooting and drive solutions for production challenges
✅ Own product formula, specifications, and costing strategies for retail, foodservice, and B2B markets
✅ Run plant and kitchen trials, oversee sensory reviews, and evaluate product performance
✅ Influence decision-making by presenting data-driven insights to leadership and key stakeholders
What Makes This Role Exciting?
🔹 Challenge: This isn’t just R&D – it’s hands-on leadership. You’ll tackle complex product development challenges and influence decisions across teams.
🔹 Growth: Within one year, you’ll evolve into a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in your product portfolio, becoming the go-to resource for technical guidance.
🔹 Autonomy with Support: You’ll have the freedom to drive projects independently while receiving mentorship from experienced leaders.
🔹 Impact: Your work directly affects our product innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational success.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s (required) or Master’s (preferred) in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in product development, R&D, or technical project management within the food industry
Skills & Mindset:
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Comfortable working in plant environments and leading trials
- Detail-oriented, adaptable, and tenacious – thrives in a fast-paced setting
- Ability to build consensus and influence
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance and cost optimization
Your Future at Clemens
This role opens doors to FSQA, Operations, Sales, and Technical Leadership opportunities. By managing projects and driving innovation, you’ll gain critical skills in strategic decision-making, collaboration, and leadership.
Build your career. Challenge the process. Collaborate and engage. That’s the Clemens Way.
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 by Talent Acquisition, 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.
