Technologist, PPI

Mars; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a R&D Process Development associate at our Fort Smith site to support trials, development, and optimization of new products, packaging, and materials. You will drive SPC-based analyses, implement process improvements, and act as a Process representative in HACCP/Risk assessments while collaborating with Quality, Supply and Engineering.

The role emphasizes Lean thinking, cost of goods reduction, and scalable specifications to achieve high product quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with 2–3 years technical/manufacturing experience or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Food Process Engineering or related R&D discipline.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Support line trials and process capability evaluations.
• Quantify process and packaging parameters using SPC data analysis at pilot and factory scale.
• Develop scalable operating specifications with Product and Process Development to hit product targets.
• Provide SPC system support to Supply, Quality, Process and Product Development teams.
• Engage in Lean Thinking and Value-Added Engineering initiatives.
• Support scale-up risk assessment and technology introduction into the supply chain.

Skills

SPC data analysis

Line trial support

Lean thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Chemical/Food Eng

Job description

Job Description:
This position will be the main support for all R&D activities within their respective site including but not limited to the trials and start-ups of new products, packaging, and raw materials. This position will lead process development activities for basic new product development projects that do not include major new ingredient streams and new technologies. In addition, this position will also implement sustainable process improvement initiatives & COGS through the use of root cause and statistical analysis tools and be the Process representative in site HACCP and Risk Assessments at their respective site. This role requires ability to use and apply basic knowledge of Quality & Engineering disciplines including Statistical Process Control, to execute activities aligned with the overall Petcare R&D strategy. Significant collaboration is expected with Quality, Supply and Engineering including CVS support.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree with 2-3 years technical/manufacturing experience or equivalent
• Ability to travel up to 15%
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Food Process Engineering or related R&D discipline (Food Science, Animal Science, Packaging Science, Microbiology).
• Multi-site working experience
• Proven creative, value-added, results producer
  

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Support the effective execution of line trials and process capability evaluations.
• Support test plans and use SPC data analysis to quantify key process and packaging machine parameters and fundamental mechanisms at both pilot and factory scale.
• Implement scalable operating specifications collaboratively developed with Product Development and Process development to achieve exceptional product attribute targets and ensure superior product quality and food safety.
• Provide SPC System support to Supply, Quality, Process Development & Product Development on existing processes
• Basic understanding of Lean Thinking principles and Value-Added Engineering
• Work as part of the R&D team to support the scale-up risk and introduction of technology into supply chain
• Pursue process improvement opportunities as agreed upon and prioritized by the Process Development Manager & COGS Team, across the factory network focused on reducing waste, downtime and/or energy usage and/or increasing production rates
• Participate R&D at site FMOS meetings, daily product quality cuttings, and CI discussions.
• Minor Project and Budget responsibilities are required with potential contractor and technician management responsibility.

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.
• Best-in-class 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.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.