Senior Engineer Process Innovation (Chicago, IL)

This job is with Kellanova, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

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.

A Taste of What You Will Be Doing

• 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 .

We're Looking for Someone With

• 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.

Compensation

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.

What’s Next

Applications for this position will be accepted through November 10, 2026. After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. If you join our team, you’ll be rewarded for the difference you make. 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 sponsor employment visas for this role.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email View email address on apply.placed-app.com.

We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world-class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here , and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here .