Engineering PTC Management Development Associate (R&D)

Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial or related) by June 2027
  • Open to relocation across the U.S. to 24 manufacturing sites during the MDA program
  • Advanced degree or prior research experience preferred
  • Prior internship, co-op, or manufacturing experience preferred
  • Involvement in student organizations or leadership experience preferred

Responsibilities

  • Master plant process flows and procedures
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives for sustainability and efficiency
  • Plan and execute trials for process and product development
  • Manage capital projects in factories and pilot plants
  • Develop product line extensions using new or existing equipment
  • Research and propose R&D projects aligned with business strategy
  • Participate in Engineering calls and Global Engineering Conference

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance for job transitions
  • Opportunity for rapid advancement into management roles
  • Supportive environment focusing on career development
  • Inclusive workplace culture promoting diversity
  • 401k with company match and healthcare coverage
Full Job Description
Position Summary

For more than 80 years, we've led the charge in revolutionizing pet food production and its ability to enrich the lives of pets everywhere. By 1956, through innovative engineering, we literally reshaped pet care, introducing Dog Chow® as the first extruded dry food. We're still at it today, with Tidy Cats®, the lightweight cat litter champion of the world and Pro Plan Bright Mind®, a breakthrough formula with enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in aging dogs. Such leadership requires constant innovation--that's where you will play an integral role.

As an Engineering PTC (Product Technology Center) Management Development Associate at Nestlé Purina, we'll coach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. You'll play a key role in leading research projects behind the everyday innovation and renovation of our pet food products. Together, we will explore quality assurance, safety, supply chain, accounting, human resources, production, engineering, information systems, and operations performance to understand the collaborative nature of R&D engineering. You'll also work closely with our Corporate R&D team in St. Louis, MO, to focus on research projects and develop a keen understanding of the science behind our factory equipment and products.

Why choose a leadership developmental role with us? It's a full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotational component of the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocation assistance package, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building your network, and launching your career.

  • Master plant process flows, utility flows, capacities, procedures, and practices
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts to improve process sustainability, capacity, and efficiency
  • Plan, organize, and perform trials and experiments (pilot and factory scale) to complete process and product development projects
  • Lead capital projects in factories and pilot plants in accordance with engineering standards (some travel required)
  • Handle development and implementation of product line extensions using new and existing equipment in the factory
  • Research and propose R&D projects utilizing technical innovations/renovations applicable to Nestlé Purina's business strategy
  • Participate in quarterly technical competence unit (TCU) Engineering calls, as well as the TCU Global Engineering Conference in St. Louis


Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial or related) attained or expected by June 2027
  • Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestlé Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program
  • You will start your rotation for this Engineering PTC MDA at the Nestlé Purina factory in Clinton, Iowa


Other
  • Advanced degree or prior experience in research preferred
  • Prior internship, co-op, practicum or manufacturing experience preferred
  • Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred


This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Don't meet all the qualifications listed under "other"? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestlé Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.

The starting pay for this position is $85,000 per year. Please note that the pay provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com).

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