Believer Meats is a global leader in cultivated meat production, poised to transform the food industry at scale. Harnessing advanced biotechnology, we deliver sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat products designed to meet the growing global demand for protein without the environmental impact of traditional farming. In 2025, we completed construction of the largest production facility of its kind in the world, secured FDA and USDA approval. We are poised to bring our first product to market in 2026.

We are seeking qualified Downstream Operators to join our team. We are hiring across four downstream areas — Powerheater, Mixing, Further Processing (FP) Room, and Bagger Operations — all essential to preparing and packaging our cultivated meat for market.

As a Downstream Operator, you will play a critical hands-on role in producing our cultivated chicken products — transforming cell-based materials into high-quality, ready-to-package food products. The Downstream Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring post-cultivation processing equipment, including heating, mixing, forming, and packaging systems.

We’re seeking experienced operators from meat, poultry, or protein processing environments (tray pack, mixing/blending, forming, or further processing lines) who bring strong attention to quality, safety, and teamwork in a fast-paced, innovative production setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities (applies to all downstream areas)

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot assigned equipment to ensure safe, consistent, and efficient production.
• Follow batch records and SOPs to maintain product quality, texture, and yield.
• Record key process parameters (temperature, pressure, dwell time, weights) accurately and in real time.
• Perform start-up, shutdown, and changeover of equipment per established procedures.
• Conduct visual inspections and quality checks at defined intervals.
• Maintain sanitary conditions and comply with GMP and food safety requirements.
• Collaborate with QA, Maintenance, and Production teams to meet daily production targets.
• Participate in equipment cleaning, minor maintenance, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Uphold safety standards, report hazards, and contribute to a proactive safety culture.

Area-Specific Responsibilities

Powerheater Operator

• Operate powerheating and thermal-processing systems to achieve precise temperature and texture targets.
• Monitor temperature and dwell time to ensure food safety and product consistency.
• Verify calibration and cleanliness of heating and transfer systems.

Mixing Operator

• Blend product batches to achieve correct formulation and consistency.
• Load raw and intermediate materials according to recipes and mixing schedules.
• Verify weights, mixing speeds, and times to meet product specifications.
• Clean and sanitize mixers, hoppers, and transfer piping between batches.

Further Processing (FP) Room Operator – Cooling Die, Knife, Belts

• Operate forming, cutting, and conveying systems to shape and cool the product.
• Adjust settings to maintain product size, form, and throughput rates.
• Inspect for quality defects and coordinate corrective action with QA or Lead.
• Maintain belt alignment, blade sharpness, and equipment hygiene.

Bagger Operator

• Operate tray pack or bagging equipment, including sealing and labeling systems.
• Verify package weights, codes, and label accuracy for each product run.
• Inspect finished goods for quality, integrity, and presentation.
• Palletize and track packaged product in accordance with lot and traceability requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• 1–3 years of experience in food, meat, or poultry processing (tray pack, mixing/blending, further processing, or packaging).
• Working knowledge of food safety (HACCP, GMP) and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, production schedules, and batch documentation.
• Comfortable working in cold, wet, and fast-paced production environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.

Preferred:

• Experience in meat or protein processing operations such as forming, slicing, tray packing, or marination.
• Knowledge of process automation, PLC-controlled equipment, or aseptic systems.
• Exposure to high-hygiene or cleanroom production environments.

Benefits: This is a full-time, hourly (non-exempt) role eligible for generous benefits including PTO, Health Care, Retirement with company match, and Parental and Medical Leaves (subject to company policies including eligibility and waiting periods).

Schedule: add additional detail here. The position works on-site/hybrid in location.

Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be located in the Raleigh/Wilson, North Carolina area or be willing to relocate at their own expense. Additionally, visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US and now require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

EEO STATEMENT

Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.

We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment, please contact HR (careers@believermeats.com).