The J.M. Smucker Company
Senior Scientist Process Engineer - Pet Food R&D
The J.M. Smucker Company, Orrville, Ohio, United States, 44667
Overview
Senior Scientist Process Engineer - Pet Food R&D Opportunity Seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Process Engineer to join our Pet Food business. This role is critical to advancing our capabilities in thermal processing in canning and extrusion, with a strong emphasis on twin-screw extrusion for pet treats. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise, an aptitude for data analysis and utilization of technology-driven resources, and the ability to lead change and drive operational excellence across cross-functional teams. Location: Orrville, OH -
Hybrid 60% or more in office presence as business need requires Work Arrangements:
Travel up to 30% on an ongoing basis (dependent on projects and product launch pipeline)
In this role you will
Champion process development and optimization for thermal processing and twin-screw extrusion, driving innovation and best practices within cross-functional teams.
Design, execute, and interpret trials for food processing innovations, facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration among teams.
Lead the successful scale-up and commercialization of new products and technologies by fostering teamwork and effective communication demonstration of CQV tools and principles.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship, guiding lab activities, supporting onboarding, and developing technical training programs for team members at all levels.
Collaborate across departments to identify opportunities for process improvements, solve technical challenges, and ensure alignment with business goals.
Analyze processing data using advanced modeling and simulation tools to establish specifications and guide team decision-making.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support organizational change management, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and informed throughout transitions.
Manage capital projects including equipment installation, layout planning, and vendor coordination, while leading project teams and maintaining collaborative vendor relationships.
Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) efforts, encouraging creative problem-solving and cross-functional contributions to system and process enhancements.
Operate independently and efficiently, managing projects with minimal supervision, while promoting an inclusive and cooperative team environment, including up to 30% seasonal travel as needed.
What we are looking for Minimum Requirements
Bachelors in chemical engineering, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field is required; an advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
5+ years' experience with advanced degree, or 10+ years with Bachelor's; experience in food manufacturing, thermal processing, and extrusion.
Demonstrated knowledge of food safety standards and validation practices.
Successful cross-functional project leadership and change management.
Skilled in process modeling/simulation (i.e. JMP, Aspen, Minitab) for throughput and quality optimization.
Understanding of ingredient functionality and its effect on food quality.
Experienced in scaling up and commercializing (CQV) processes.
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
Able to work independently and lead projects from planning through delivery.
Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role
Experience in twin-screw extrusion of pet treats, including formulation development, die design, and post-extrusion handling
Proven ability to innovate treat formulations through ingredient experimentation and process optimization
Experience designing and executing pilot-scale trials with thorough documentation of process parameters
Experience with operation and validation of thermal processing systems such as retorts, hydrostats, and continuous sterilizers
Effective collaboration & strong communication within the cross-functional teams, including R&D, quality assurance, and production-based roles.
Maintain strong professional relationships through gathering & providing feedback to strengthen the seamless technical community dynamics.
Commitment to continuous improvement and implementation of research findings in commercial production environments
Learn More About Working at Smucker
Helping our Employees Thrive
Delivering on Our Purpose
Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All
Follow us on LinkedIn
LinkedIn
#LI-TJ1
#INDSA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Scientist Process Engineer - Pet Food R&D Opportunity Seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Process Engineer to join our Pet Food business. This role is critical to advancing our capabilities in thermal processing in canning and extrusion, with a strong emphasis on twin-screw extrusion for pet treats. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise, an aptitude for data analysis and utilization of technology-driven resources, and the ability to lead change and drive operational excellence across cross-functional teams. Location: Orrville, OH -
Hybrid 60% or more in office presence as business need requires Work Arrangements:
Travel up to 30% on an ongoing basis (dependent on projects and product launch pipeline)
In this role you will
Champion process development and optimization for thermal processing and twin-screw extrusion, driving innovation and best practices within cross-functional teams.
Design, execute, and interpret trials for food processing innovations, facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration among teams.
Lead the successful scale-up and commercialization of new products and technologies by fostering teamwork and effective communication demonstration of CQV tools and principles.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship, guiding lab activities, supporting onboarding, and developing technical training programs for team members at all levels.
Collaborate across departments to identify opportunities for process improvements, solve technical challenges, and ensure alignment with business goals.
Analyze processing data using advanced modeling and simulation tools to establish specifications and guide team decision-making.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support organizational change management, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and informed throughout transitions.
Manage capital projects including equipment installation, layout planning, and vendor coordination, while leading project teams and maintaining collaborative vendor relationships.
Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) efforts, encouraging creative problem-solving and cross-functional contributions to system and process enhancements.
Operate independently and efficiently, managing projects with minimal supervision, while promoting an inclusive and cooperative team environment, including up to 30% seasonal travel as needed.
What we are looking for Minimum Requirements
Bachelors in chemical engineering, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field is required; an advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
5+ years' experience with advanced degree, or 10+ years with Bachelor's; experience in food manufacturing, thermal processing, and extrusion.
Demonstrated knowledge of food safety standards and validation practices.
Successful cross-functional project leadership and change management.
Skilled in process modeling/simulation (i.e. JMP, Aspen, Minitab) for throughput and quality optimization.
Understanding of ingredient functionality and its effect on food quality.
Experienced in scaling up and commercializing (CQV) processes.
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
Able to work independently and lead projects from planning through delivery.
Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role
Experience in twin-screw extrusion of pet treats, including formulation development, die design, and post-extrusion handling
Proven ability to innovate treat formulations through ingredient experimentation and process optimization
Experience designing and executing pilot-scale trials with thorough documentation of process parameters
Experience with operation and validation of thermal processing systems such as retorts, hydrostats, and continuous sterilizers
Effective collaboration & strong communication within the cross-functional teams, including R&D, quality assurance, and production-based roles.
Maintain strong professional relationships through gathering & providing feedback to strengthen the seamless technical community dynamics.
Commitment to continuous improvement and implementation of research findings in commercial production environments
Learn More About Working at Smucker
Helping our Employees Thrive
Delivering on Our Purpose
Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All
Follow us on LinkedIn
#LI-TJ1
#INDSA
#J-18808-Ljbffr