Research & Development Engineer, Pet Food Science at Smucker Innovation, Inc. — Orrville, OH

Your Opportunity as the Research & Development Engineer, Pet Food Science

Play a critical role in advancing our processing capabilities in canning and extrusion for our pet food and treats division. Leverage your technical expertise to drive data-driven results across our Pet Operations teams both in our Orrville Process Research facilities as well as our Pet Production facilities.

Location: Orrville, OH - Hybrid 60% or more in office presence as business need requires

Work Arrangements: domestic travel up to 30% annually

In this role you will:

• 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.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in engineering (food, chemical, agricultural, or mechanical) or food science
• 3+ years' experience with advanced degree, or 5+ years with Bachelor’s;
• Experience in food manufacturing, with direct experience in extrusion
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety standards and validation practices
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects and driving change management, supported by strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Skilled in process modeling/simulation (i.e. JMP, Aspen, Minitab) for throughput and quality optimization
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and its effect on food quality
• Experienced in scaling up and commercializing (CQV) processes

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

• Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or Mechanical Engineering
• Experience in food extrusion, including formulation development, new format design, and post-extrusion handling
• Proven ability to innovate treat formulations through ingredient experimentation and process optimization
• Experience designing and executing pilot-scale trials with thorough documentation of process parameters
• Experience with operation and validation of thermal processing systems such as retorts, hydrostats, and continuous sterilizers
• Maintain strong professional relationships through gathering & providing feedback to strengthen the seamless technical community dynamics
• Commitment to continuous improvement and implementation of research findings in commercial production environments
• Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable Design to Value (DTV) and cost savings by developing, optimizing, and implementing innovative food processing solutions, supporting transformation objectives and operational excellence.

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The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

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We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.