Principal Engineer Process Innovation Bars SME

Job Description:

Principal Engineer - Bars SME (Subject Matter Expert)

Job Purpose / Overview

The Principal Engineer - Bars SME serves as the organization's recognized technical expert for Bars manufacturing technologies. This role provides technical leadership across process development, commercialization, scale-up, manufacturing support, and capability building for the global Bars platform. Technical scope includes mixing, caramel & nougat processing, baking, nut roasting, forming, enrobing, cooling, and associated peripheral technologies.  

The position is responsible for advancing technical understanding of Bars processing systems, solving complex manufacturing challenges, enabling successful commercialization, and developing technical capability across internal and external manufacturing networks. This individual develops best practices and influences technology decisions across global and regional programs.  

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Principal Engineer serves as the highest level of technical escalation for Bars technologies and influences technical decisions that impact product quality, manufacturing capability, business growth, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Technical Strategy & System Authority

• Serve as the primary technical escalation point and global authority for Bars technologies and processing systems.

• Establish and maintain technical standards, engineering principles, best practices, and manufacturing methodologies.

• Influence capital investment and technology roadmaps by delivering risk-based technical recommendations to senior R&D, engineering, and supply leaders.

• Identify process capability gaps and evaluate emerging technologies to drive long-term business growth and supply readiness.

2. Commercialization, Scale-Up & Risk Management

• Translate product and process concepts by directing pilot plant operations, factory trials, and supply commissioning/validation.

• Lead technology and process transfer across both internal and external supply networks.

• Champion risk-assessment and mitigation protocols throughout the design, scale-up, and startup phases to protect food safety, quality, and supply continuity.

• Partner with commercial and supply networks to qualify and optimize external supply partners and equipment suppliers.

3. Advanced Problem Solving & Operational Excellence

• Lead investigations into complex product, process, and quality failures using scientific rigor, statistical analysis, and advanced engineering principles.

• Utilize manufacturing data, process modeling, and Six Sigma continuous improvement methodologies to optimize safety, product quality, reliability, productivity, and operational performance.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership, Capability & Mentorship

• Mobilize and influence cross-functional teams (including R&D, Engineering, Supply, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial) to deliver global innovation programs.

• Build future technical talent across the organization through active mentoring, coaching, and structured technical training programs.

• Lead global Bars technical networks to seamlessly share best practices, process learnings, and institutional knowledge across regional sites.

• Develop and steward accessible, high-quality technical documentation and knowledge repositories while protecting intellectual property.

 

Education & Professional Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline. 

• 10+ years of experience in process development, process engineering, commercialization, manufacturing technology, or related technical fields.

• Demonstrated expertise in Bars manufacturing processes and process technologies. 

• Proven experience of leading complex technical programs across multiple sites, functions, and stakeholders. 

• Experience in scale-up, pilot plant operations, manufacturing capability development, and commercialization. 

• Strong communication, influencing, leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline.

• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent advanced continuous improvement certification. 

• Experience working with external manufacturing partners and equipment suppliers.

• Experience establishing technical strategies, best practices, and capability-building programs.  

 

Key Functional Competencies & Professional Skills 

Functional & Technical Competencies 

• Expert knowledge of Bars process technologies including mixing, caramel & nougat processing, baking, nut roasting, forming, enrobing, cooling, and associated manufacturing systems.  

• Process development, scale-up and commercialization 

• Pilot plant operations

• Design of experiments (DOE) and applied process science 

• Technical transfer

• Manufacturing systems and equipment technology 

• Food safety and quality systems 

• Risk assessment and mitigation 

• Data-driven decision making 

• Process validation and startup excellence 

• Technical documentation and knowledge management 

Mars Leadership Competencies 

• Strategic Mindset 

• Manages Ambiguity 

• Persuades 

• Develops Talent 

• Drives Results 

• Decision Quality 

• Manages Complexity 

• Interpersonal Savvy 

• Builds Collaborative Relationships 

• Creates Technical Networks 

• Influences Without Authority 

• Problem Solving 

• Process Management 

• Innovation Leadership  
  
  What can you expect from Mars?
  Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
  Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
  A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
  An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00

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