Sr. Scientist, R&D - Process Technology
About The Position
As a Sr. Scientist within the Process Technology group in R&D Central Processing, you will serve as a technical processing expert responsible for exploring and developing new process technologies, building internal processing capabilities, and executing complex, high-impact processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions. The role involves identifying and evaluating emerging technologies, developing scale-up strategies, leading pilot trials, preparing technical documentation, managing technical risks, and handing off processing solutions for commercialization. You will work with R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and external suppliers, while supporting cost optimization, sustainability, and capability development. The position is based at the Glenview R&D Center and follows a hybrid schedule requiring at least three days in the office and two days remote. Travel of up to 25% is required.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
- At least 4 years of experience in R&D or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food and beverage, pharma, or a similar industry.
- Hands-on experience executing end-to-end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale-up to industrial production.
- Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools, including CQV, FMEA, CPRA, Process Design Scopes, and Transformation Flowsheets.
- Project management skills, including experience maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and risk logs for multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Proficiency with project tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent, and advanced Excel skills.
- Ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross-functional audiences.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience in emulsions or shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing and validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing.
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.
- Experience with pilot line setup, scale-up, and industrial production launches, including multi-site experience.
Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging process technologies, including equipment, automation, and digital technologies, aligned with business needs.
- Develop scale-up strategies from prototyping through pilot plant and commercialization.
- Own end-to-end technical delivery of assigned complex processing projects, including technical briefing, concept development, technical design, learning plans, pilot runs, capital design, and commercialization handover to Operations and Supply Chain.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, and Process Design Scopes.
- Apply commercialization tools such as CQV, FMEA, and CPRA to identify and mitigate technical risks, guide design decisions, and support Right-First-Time launch readiness.
- Partner with Platform R&D, GDI R&D, Packaging R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define requirements and success criteria, resolve technical trade-offs, and maintain timelines and milestones.
- Lead and support pilot line trials and scale-up activities, translating learnings into commercial processing solutions.
- Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes by preparing and presenting technical content on design rationale, risks, and commercialization readiness.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
- Support cost optimization and value engineering to improve margin, sustainability, and reinvestment priorities.
- Informally mentor junior processing engineers and share expertise to support capability development.
- Deliver concurrent complex processing projects within committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets.
- Achieve and sustain greater than 95% Right-First-Time launches across assigned projects.
- Produce processing technical deliverables, including FMEAs and CQV documentation, that meet enterprise engineering standards.
- Provide clear, data-driven technical recommendations and risk assessments for governance milestone decisions.
- Share technical learnings, best practices, and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization.
Benefits
- Performance-based bonus.
- Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical and prescription drug coverage.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Leave of absence.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Recognition programs.
- Training and learning opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Wellbeing programs.
- Family support programs.
- 401(k).
- Life insurance.
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
- Disability coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
