Principal Scientist - Fats & Oils

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 119,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Chicago is seeking a Principal Scientist – Fats and Oils. This senior role leads global technical initiatives, advances formulation and processing capabilities, and mentors the team within Mars Snacking.

You will own the strategy for Fats and Oils, collaborate with R&D, QA, Regulatory, and external partners, advance sustainable ingredient projects, and represent Mars at industry events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, chemistry, or relevant field. Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to ensure the Fats & Oils portfolio aligns with Mars Snacking’s priorities.
• Own the S&T Fats & Oils strategy and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvement.
• Deliver hands-on formulation, processing, QA, and food safety support across global R&D and production sites.
• Lead projects or serve as SME, supporting sustainability initiatives and evaluation of alternative ingredients.
• Horizon-scan and identify opportunities aligned with strategy; monitor emerging research and trends.
• Collaborate with Regulatory, QA, Product Development, and external partners to generate evidence for claims.

Skills

R&D experience

Independent work

Collaboration with global teams

Regulatory knowledge (FDA/EFSA)

Education

Bachelor's in food science/engineering/chemistry

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Description:

Principal Scientist – Fats and Oils

The Principal Scientist Fats and Oils is a senior-level role with deep technical expertise and high learning agility, enabling continued growth in product formulation and processing capabilities within Mars snacking.

The role is responsible for leading global technical initiatives in Fats and Oils sustainability, contributing to snacking innovation projects and programs, evaluating alternative and novel Fats and Oils ingredients, troubleshooting reformulation and processing challenges, supporting supplier management, and upskilling associates across the organization.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in food science, Engineering, Chemistry, or relevant field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of R&D experience in food, beverage or consumer products company (preferably with raw material compliance and specifications experience and Fats and Oil Ingredients, Chocolate, Nutrition Bars, Salty Snacks or Confectionary)
• Knowledge of regulatory bodies including FDA and EFSA.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with global teams.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Provide technical leadership to ensure the Fats&Oils portfolio delivers on Mars Snacking’s strategic priorities and meets the evolving needs of the business.

Own the S&T Fats&Oils Strategy and collaborate with cross-functional associates to drive continuous improvement.

Deliver hands‑on formulation, processing, quality assurance, and food safety support across global R&D and production sites.

Serve as a technical project leader or subject matter expert, partnering with other S&T colleagues to support sustainability initiatives and the evaluation of alternative Fats&Oils ingredients, advancing Mars’ sustainability goals and Net Zero by 2050.

Horizon-scan, identify, and recommend potential business opportunities aligned with strategy; monitor emerging scientific research and trends relevant to Fats&Oils ingredients, chocolate, nutrition bars, salty snacks, and confectionary.

Collaborate with internal teams (Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Global Quality & Food Safety, Product Development, etc.) and external partners to generate scientific evidence supporting claims, messaging, and publications.

Partner with R&D, Commercial teams, and other Mars segments to develop strategic relationships with key external partners and suppliers, ensuring a robust ingredient pipeline that protects and creates future growth.

Work with R&D and Intellectual Property teams to proactively safeguard Mars’ intellectual property.

Represent Mars at key conferences, trade shows, and industry events to strengthen the company’s reputation within the Fats&Oils sector.

Support the team manager in leading team‑building initiatives and serving as a role model to enhance engagement and the overall associate experience within the Ingredient Science team.

Mentor and upskill associates in technical leadership and capabilities.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse 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.

A strong focus on 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.

Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 119,040.00 - USD 163,680.00