Principal R&D Engineer

1. Lead technical process development and scale-up for complex R&D projects from bench through pilot, plant trial, validation, and commercialization. Provide technical leadership for aseptic processing, hot-fill, pasteurization, HTST/UHT or other thermal processes, batching, blending, deaeration, homogenization, filling, packaging interfaces, sanitation/CIP, and startup readiness. Apply first principles, experimental data, statistical analysis, data visualization, and light modeling approaches to explain technical phenomena, establish tradeoffs, and influence decisions with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Support manufacturing plants and co-packers through capability assessments, process fit evaluations, gap assessments, startup support, troubleshooting, corrective actions, and qualification recommendations. Collaborate with Procurement, suppliers, and external partners to assess ingredient/process impacts, alternative materials, productivity opportunities, and supplier technical capabilities. Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in R&D process engineering, food/beverage processing, technical commercialization, manufacturing engineering, or related CPG technical roles. Must-have experience with juice, dairy, and complex beverage formulation commercialization, including scale-up from bench or pilot through plant production. Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of aseptic processing and other thermal process platforms used for beverage and food commercialization. Strong understanding of beverage processing operations including batching, blending, thermal processing, filling, packaging interfaces, sanitation/CIP, process capability, and plant startup. Experience leading plant trials, validation activities, process troubleshooting, technical risk assessments, and commercialization readiness evaluations. Demonstrated capability using DOE, statistical analysis, data-driven problem solving, and structured technical decision-making. Working knowledge or strong interest in applying data science, AI tools, predictive analytics, process modeling, plant historian data, or digital systems to improve R&D and manufacturing outcomes. Proven ability to manage ambiguity and complex problems by creating solution paths that reflect sustainable, functional, and technically feasible options. Excellent presentation, communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to translate technical findings into clear tradeoffs and business implications. Strong understanding of the interdependencies between product, process, package, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain requirements. Self-motivated, collaborative, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving, changing business environment. Travel inlcuded in this role (25%).