Senior Engineer Process Innovation

Loyalty Rules; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Kellanova in Chicago, IL (with potential offices in Battle Creek, MI) is seeking a Senior Engineer Process Innovation to lead large and complex food processes and technical developments for innovation, renovation, network optimization, and cost-saving projects. Reporting to the R&D Senior Technical Manager, Tasty & Wholesome RKT, you will drive process scale-up, deployment, and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing and external partners.

Travel 35–50% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering/Food Science or a related field with relevant technical experience (CPG).
• Solid understanding of process technology, equipment, and systems (cereal process is a plus).
• Experience leading multiple projects in manufacturing plants with scale-up focus.

Responsibilities

• Drive Process Innovation – Lead development, scale-up, and implementation of scalable process solutions from concept through commercialization.
• Provide Technical Leadership – Apply engineering/process expertise to solve complex challenges and accelerate innovation across functions.
• Enable Scale-Up & Deployment – Develop process specs, validation plans, standards and documentation for successful implementation.
• Advance Technology Strategy – Identify gaps and emerging technologies to strengthen future manufacturing capabilities.
• Drive Technical Excellence – Use experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving to improve process performance and risk management.
• Build Technical Capability – Mentor engineers and share best practices across teams and sites.

Skills

SAP

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

OneNote

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering/Food Science

Job description

Mars Completes Acquisition of Kellanova Learn More

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Date: Oct 27, 2026

Category: Research and Development

Country/Region: US

State: IL

City: Chicago

Workplace: Onsite

Title: Senior Engineer Process Innovation

Description

Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. Within Accelerator, the Better For You portfolio includes KIND®, RXBAR®, Nutri-Grain®, Special K Bars®, and Pure Organic® and within Tasty & Wholesome, the portfolio includes Eggo®, Rice Krispies Treats® and Pop Tarts®.

Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, we are driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming how we work through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

We're looking for passionate technical collaborators to help RKT (Rice Krispies Treats®) become a leader in Mars Snacking and positively impact our consumers along the way. The Senior Engineering Process Innovation reporting to R&D Senior Technical Manager, Tasty & Wholesome RKT, plays a key role within the Accelerator business. Lead large and complex food processes and technical developments for innovation, renovation, network optimization and cost saving projects. This role will be based out of our office locations in either Chicago, IL or Battle Creek, MI. Estimated travel is 35-50% and may include global travel.

A Taste of What You Will Be Doing

• Drive Process Innovation – Lead development, scale-up, and implementation of robust, scalable process solutions from concept through commercialization.
• Provide Technical Leadership – Apply engineering/process expertise to solve complex challenges, advance new technologies, and accelerate innovation across R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and external partners.
• Enable Scale-Up & Deployment – Develop process specifications, validation plans, technical standards and impeccable documentations/communications to ensure successful implementation.
• Advance Technology Strategy – Identify process gaps, emerging technologies, and innovation opportunities to strengthen future manufacturing capabilities.
• Drive Technical Excellence – Apply experimentation, data analysis, and structured problem-solving to improve process performance, reliability, quality, and technical risk management.
• Build Technical Capability – Mentor junior engineers, share best practices, and leverage technical networks to strengthen process engineering capability across teams and sites.

We're Looking for Someone With

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering/Food Science or a related field with relevant technical experience (with CPG company).
• A clear and in-depth understanding of process technology, equipment, and systems (cereal process is a plus).
• Significant experience in leading and managing multiple projects independently focused on operation and scale-up in manufacturing plants.
• Significant related work experience; previous experience managing innovation, renovation, network optimization and cost saving projects.
• Strong knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, One Note.
• Strong time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to multi-task
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and partner with leaders and cross-functional business partners.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $108,160-$142,000, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance.
• Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

Get to Know Us

We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world-class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here , and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here .