R&D Principal Engineer - Food Process Engineering

Overview

As R&D Foods Principal Engineer you will be part of a diverse and fast paced team in R&D, that works on development for multiple meal categories such as Oatmeal, Rice/Pasta, Pancakes and Grits & Grainsn and high-moisture foods such as dips and salsa. You will be contributing to translate consumer needs into product requirements & technical process parameters to launch delicious and nourishing products for US and Canada markets. The primary focus of this position will be application of engineering principles to create robust products across the Grains and Meals platforms, including during new idea generation, prototype development, process optimization, production start-up and on-going brand stewardship.

• Work effectively & in collaboration with cross-functional (Brand/Innovation Marketing, Insights, Engineering and Operations (including 3PM)) and R&D discipline partners to deliver innovative consumer winning propositions through ingredients, formulation, process technologies, and packaging interaction.
• Define and qualify ingredients, validate formulations in process and with consumers and/or develop specifications for new product launch or product improvements.
• Expand innovation portfolio through partnership with external (3PM) vendors to drive formulation development, complete capability/consumer testing and ensure PepsiCo quality standards are upheld.
• Leverage data-driven product and process design including the application of consumer product testing, sensory, analytical data to ensure excellent product launches.
• Apply Technical & Business Governance processes effectively from feasibility stage through to scale-up & post launch support.
• Provide trial and commercialization support to products at co-manufacturing facilities.
• Provide technical and business risk assessment/perspectives and mitigation plans related to new product development.
• Engage support of internal subject matter experts & team as needed.
• Provide updates to key R&D and cross-functional executive leadership.

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $102,800 - $172,100 based on a full-time schedule
• Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting actual starting salary
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility; target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

• Education/Certifications: BS, MS or PhD. Degree in Chemical, Food Processing or Mechanical Engineering experience working with high moisture foods and thermal processing a plus
• Work Experience: 6+ years of process engineering experience
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills
• Experience in creative, innovative problem solving
• Solid communication skills, written and verbal
• Demonstrated capability to effectively manage complex projects or multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated understanding of how to incorporate business needs into technical decisions
• Ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
• Willingness to travel up to 40% and the ability and interest to work in a laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments in a Food Company