Pet Food R&D Process Engineer - Hybrid + Relocation

The J.M. Smucker Co.; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive relocation package

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. is seeking an R&D Process Engineer for Pet Food Innovation in Orrville, OH. Design and execute trials, scale up novel products, and drive CQV‑driven commercialization while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, and Product Development teams.

You will lead DOE initiatives, mentor lab staff, and guide capital projects, with travel up to 30% annually and a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in food and/or pet food manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience with food extrusion and process optimization.
• Experience leading pilot plant, scale‑up, and commercialization trials.
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality, food safety, and process validation.
• Experience using DOE and statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, Aspen, etc.) to improve process performance.
• Proven success leading cross‑functional projects and driving technical solutions.

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.

Skills

DOE & statistics

Project leadership

Process optimization

Mentorship

Pilot plant experience

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science/Engineering

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Aspen

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Co. is seeking an R&D Process Engineer for Pet Food Innovation in Orrville, OH. Design and execute trials, scale up novel products, and drive CQV‑driven commercialization while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, and Product Development teams.

You will lead DOE initiatives, mentor lab staff, and guide capital projects, with travel up to 30% annually and a hybrid work setup.