Engineering PTC Management Development Associate (R&D)
Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care.
About the role
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 introduced 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.
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.
This full-time position fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. The rotational component of the program provides a change in location, offering 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.
Responsibilities
- 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 program
- You will start your rotation for this Engineering PTC MDA at the Nestlé Purina factory in Clinton, Iowa
Advanced degree or prior experience in research, prior internship, co-op, practicum, or manufacturing experience, and involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience are preferred.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Pay
The starting pay for this position is $85,000 per year. 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.