The Associate Principal Engineer - Competitive Complexity Role owns leading and execution of key platform engineering projects in Future Innovation, Decomplexity, and Transformational workstreams.  Role works closely with R&D Leadership, NA Supply, Global R&D and R&D Development.

This position is responsible for leading complex projects for the Petfood SBU focused on product formats across both Cat and Dog products. Performs engineering assignments as part of a work team involved in the planning, organizing, and developing new-technology and innovation as it relates to the Pet SBU. Requires ability to use and apply extensive knowledge of many engineering disciplines to lead projects aligned with the overall SBU strategy. Significant collaboration is expected with all scientists and engineers in the Product and Packaging areas, Pilot Plant management, Quality Services and Engineering. Provide technical leadership on both regional and global projects, and established mentor or coach to junior associates.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Food, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

• 8+ years experience in R&D (Wet, Dry and/or Care & Treats) or Engineering development

• Up to 50% travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance degree in Engineering, science related or equivalent

• Multi-platform manufacturing work experience (Wet, Dry, Care & Treats)

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through leading multiple network critical workstreams within functional area of expertise.

• Technical leader with mastery within function/area of expertise.

• Six Sigma Qualification

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead capital projects to install factory scale-able equipment into the pilot plant and assessment of pilot plant scalability.

• Lead plan development, experimental setup, test execution and data analysis to quantify key process and packaging machine parameters and fundamental mechanisms at both pilot and factory scale.

• Create and standardize scalable process specifications collaboratively developed with Product Development and Supply Engineering to achieve exceptional product attribute targets and ensure superior product quality and food safety.

• Identify and evaluate innovative processing options based on product attribute requirements including evaluation based on technical and economic feasibility.

• Provide technical support to product development, QS and Supply on new or existing processes.

• Create and lead new networks within the Technology, Product Implementation, Packaging, Engineering, QS and Platform Technology teams.

• Lead translation of technology ideas into visual, physical models and working prototypes.

• Provide scalable technology platforms within the business strategy.

• Creation of IP for technical insulation of new technology.

• Mastery with Lean Thinking principles and Value-Added Engineering.

• Lead the engineering team to assist in the management of scale-up risk and introduction of technology into supply chain.

• Minor Project and Budget responsibilities are required with potential contractor and technician management responsibility.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AM1

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.