Engineering PTC Management Development Associate (R&D
Listed on 2026-08-22
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Engineering
Process Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineer
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. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness—We are Proudly Connected.
Purely Driven.
Position Summary
For more than 80 years,we’veled the charge in revolutionizing pet food production and its ability to enrich the lives of pets everywhere. By 1956, through innovative engineering, weliterally reshapedpet care, introducing Dog Chow® as the first extruded dry food.
We’restill 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''swhereyou willplay 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’llplay 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’llalsowork closely with our Corporate R&D team in St. Louis, MO, to focus on research projectsanddevelop a keen understanding of the science behind our factory equipment and products.
Why choose a leadership developmental role with us?It''sa 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 relocationassistancepackage, 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 effortsto 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 factoriesand pilot plantsin accordance with engineering standards (some travel required)
- Handle development and implementation of product line extensionsusing new and existing equipment in the factory
- Research and propose R&D projectsutilizingtechnical innovations/renovations applicable to Nestlé Purina’s business strategy
- Participate inquarterly technical competence unit (TCU) Engineering calls, as well asthe TCU Global Engineering Conference in St. Louis
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering(Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial or related) attainedor expected byJune
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 researchpreferred
- Prior internship, co-op,practicumor manufacturingexperiencepreferred
- Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Don’tmeet all the qualifications listed under “other”? These are preferred butnotrequired. 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…
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