R&D Assoc Process Engineer (Europe Foods R&D Process Deployment)

PepsiCo; Leicester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo is seeking an R&D Assoc Process Engineer to lead deployment of new process technologies across Europe Foods, spanning Snacks and Grains brands. You will drive pilot plant trials, DoE studies, and scale-up efforts while collaborating with Food Safety, Quality, Procurement, and external partners to ensure safe, high-quality products.

The role requires 3–4 years in process engineering or product development within the Food & Beverage sector, with strong analytical and communication skills

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data and apply statistical methods.
• Demonstrated experience developing, scaling and commercialising new processes or equipment in cross-functional environments.
• Travel across Europe and internationally (approx. 25–30%).

Responsibilities

• Lead process and equipment risk assessments to evaluate capability of new technologies.
• Drive development, testing, qualification, and commercialisation of process systems and equipment.
• Lead pilot plant and scale-up trials with data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate with Food Safety, Quality, MOS, Procurement, and external partners to meet objectives.
• Design and execute DoE to screen and optimise process performance.
• Maintain a Europe Foods process knowledge map and identify gaps for corrective actions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Statistical methods

Process scaling

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Chemical/Mechanical/Food Engineering or related

Job description

Overview

We areseeking an R&D Assoc Process Engineer to lead process deployment projects across Europe Foods.

This role will support key priorities, including:

• Scoping, installation and commissioning of new non-centreline equipment, and defining and executing product validation plans to ensure successful commercialisation.
• Process and equipment risk assessments to evaluate capability against target product designs.
• Make vs. buy process mapping to build and maintain a comprehensive understanding of process technologies, equipment assets and manufacturing capabilities across the region.
• Capacity boost projects.
• Deployment of technologies under the PepsiCo Positive (Pep+) Decarbonisation Agenda.

The role spans multiple brands across both Snacks and Grains categories and involves working with a broad range of manufacturing process technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead process and equipment risk assessments to evaluate the capability of new technologies to deliver target product designs and support investment decisions.
• Drive the development, testing, qualification, and commercialization of process systems and equipment using internal and external resources.
• Lead pilot plant and manufacturing scale-up trials, including data collection, analysis, and timely communication of results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Partner with Food Safety and Quality teams to ensure process systems consistently deliver safe, high-quality, and stable products.
• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to screen, model, validate, and optimise pilot and commercial process performance while ensuring statistical robustness.
• Develop and maintain a Europe Foods process knowledge map, capturing equipment, process capabilities, site assets, technology platforms, and manufacturing expertise.
• Identify capability, knowledge, or system gaps and recommend corrective actions, including process improvements, coaching, training, and capability-building initiatives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement workstreams that enhance business processes, increase efficiency, strengthen knowledge sharing, and support team development through coaching and best-practice implementation.
• Collaborate effectively across R&D, Supply Chain, Engineering, MOS, Quality, Food Safety, Procurement, and external partners to deliver business objectives.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3-4 years' experience in process engineering or product/process development within the Food & Beverage industry. Other relevant backgrounds or experience will be considered.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, apply statistical methods, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience developing, scaling, and commercialising new products, processes, or equipment in cross-functional environments.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and perform effectively in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
• Experience working within a Technical Stage-Gate development framework is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel across Europe and internationally (approximately 25-30%).