Senior Engineer Process Innovation

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Date:
Oct 27, 2026

Category:
Research and Development

Country/Region: US

State: IL

City:
Chicago

Workplace:
Onsite

Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. Within Accelerator, the Better For You portfolio includes KIND®, RXBAR®, Nutri-Grain®, Special K Bars®, and Pure Organic® and within Tasty & Wholesome, the portfolio includes Eggo®, Rice Krispies Treats® and Pop Tarts®.

Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, we are driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming how we work through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

We're looking for passionate technical collaborators to help RKT (Rice Krispies Treats®) become a leader in Mars Snacking and positively impact our consumers along the way. The Senior Engineering Process Innovation reporting to R&D Senior Technical Manager, Tasty & Wholesome RKT, plays a key role within the Accelerator business. Lead large and complex food processes and technical developments for innovation, renovation, network optimization and cost saving projects.

This role will be based out of our office locations in either Chicago, IL or Battle Creek, MI. Estimated travel is 35-50% and may include global travel.

• Drive Process Innovation – Lead development, scale-up, and implementation of robust, scalable process solutions from concept through commercialization.
• Provide Technical Leadership – Apply engineering/process expertise to solve complex challenges, advance new technologies, and accelerate innovation across R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and external partners.
• Enable Scale-Up & Deployment – Develop process specifications, validation plans, technical standards and impeccable documentations/communications to ensure successful implementation.
• Advance Technology Strategy – Identify process gaps, emerging technologies, and innovation opportunities to strengthen future manufacturing capabilities.
• Drive Technical Excellence – Apply experimentation, data analysis, and structured problem-solving to improve process performance, reliability, quality, and technical risk management.
• Build Technical Capability – Mentor junior engineers, share best practices, and leverage technical networks to strengthen process engineering capability across teams and sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering/Food Science or a related field with relevant technical experience (with CPG company).
• A clear and in-depth understanding of process technology, equipment, and systems (cereal process is a plus).
• Significant experience in leading and managing multiple projects independently focused on operation and scale-up in manufacturing plants.
• Significant related work experience; previous experience managing innovation, renovation, network optimization and cost saving projects.
• Strong knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, One Note.
• Strong time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to multi-task
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and partner with leaders and cross-functional business partners.

The annual salary range is $108,160-$142,000, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not…