Engineer, Cocoa Technology

Job Description:

Position exists to research, identify, develop and execute Mars Wrigley (MW) Science and Technology programs on cocoa processing. The scope of work includes invention, discovery, development, design, prototyping, laboratory and pilot scale testing and production scale up of innovative process solutions. The associate will be responsible for leading projects through the rigorous science stage gates and peer review processes. The jobholder will be responsible for designing comprehensive research plans that include thorough literature and patent landscape analysis, breakthrough, disruptive new process and ingredient technologies, identifying and creating intellectual property opportunities, testing and validating novel ingredient and process technologies. The jobholder is expected to drive cross-functional team collaborations with associates in the Research and Development, Supply, Commercial, Finance, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Intellectual Property, Mars Advanced Research Institute and other Mars segments globally. The job holder will also be expected to identify, select and manage short & long-term external partnerships and ensure prompt deliveries against set milestones to develop and deliver effective business solutions to support MW growth objectives.

• Must have at least Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess & Agricultural Engineering, Food Science and Technology or equivalent. 7+ years of process development experience post-graduate in the R&D function of the food industry or scientific environment working in the areas of new technology/process development, exploratory research with commercialization focus.

• Must be able to work in internal and external laboratory, pilot plant and factory environments.

• Must be able to travel up to 50% time for project activities at remote research centers, manufacturing facilities and suppliers and for conducting meetings, training, factory trials, supplier qualification and site visits both domestically and internationally.

• Must be able to work in a Global team with remote line management. Occasional availability by phone and video beyond regular business hours for communication with other Global sites and suppliers.

• Lead research and development (R&D) projects and teams to deliver novel processes, products and ingredients for global and local applications by applying scientific rigor through extensive understanding of food engineering, science & technology principles; process, ingredient and product characterization methods (microbiological, physical, chemical, economical), ingredient and product safety and shelf life assessments (physical, chemical, microbiological). Deliver breakthrough technologies and products in alignment with R&D priorities for growth.

• Drive cross-functional collaborations within R&D, Commercial, Engineering, Quality and Supply, develop and implement effective scale-up strategies to achieve exceptional product attributes and ensure superior product quality and food safety.

• Develop and manage capital projects from bench-top to pilot plant and support factory installations by following Mars processes from capital project submission through commissioning, validation and start-up.

• Collaboratively working with the Intellectual Property (IP) team, generate and maintain world class knowledge and IP strategy on latest emerging technologies, global scientific and technological advances in areas of concern, including competitive IP awareness and monitoring.

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.

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.