Research & Development Engineer, Pet Food Science

The J.M. Smucker Co.•Columbus, OH

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Your Opportunity as the Research & Development Engineer, Pet Food Science Play a critical role in advancing our processing capabilities in canning and extrusion for our pet food and treats division. Leverage your technical expertise to drive data-driven results across our Pet Operations teams both in our Orrville Process Research facilities as well as our Pet Production facilities. Location: Orrville, OH - Hybrid 60% or more in office presence as business need requires Work Arrangements: domestic travel up to 30% annually In this role you will: 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. Participate in die and manifold design, applying or learning CAD tools. 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. Engage in structured development to build SME‑level capability over the next five years, including extended learning.

Requirements

Bachelors in chemical engineering, food science, mechanical engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience with advanced degree, or 7+ years with Bachelor’s degree
Experience in food manufacturing, with direct experience in extrusion
Demonstrated knowledge of food safety standards and validation practices
Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects and driving change management, supported by strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
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

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or Mechanical Engineering
Experience in food extrusion, including formulation development, new format 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
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
Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable Design to Value (DTV) and cost savings by developing, optimizing, and implementing innovative food processing solutions, supporting transformation objectives and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

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.
Participate in die and manifold design, applying or learning CAD tools.
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.
Engage in structured development to build SME‑level capability over the next five years, including extended learning.