R&D Sr. Process Engineer

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #168506 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in premium pet nutrition, is looking for a Senior Process Engineer to join our Implementation & Support group at our Hill's Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, KS. This role will be critical in adapting and expanding our innovative product portfolio, with a special focus on the canned segment of our business. If you are a skilled process engineer with a passion for pet nutrition and a drive for excellence, we invite you to apply.

As a Senior Process Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of technology transfer for complete nutrition wellness and therapeutic foods for dogs and cats. You will lead the development and implementation of new products, from initial ingredient characterization and process design through to full-scale production at our manufacturing facilities.

What you will do:

• Lead the development of new processes and formulas, ensuring they meet specific nutritional, quality, and cost requirements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D to ensure successful product launches and ongoing business activities.
• Validate product performance through comprehensive analytical, biological, palatability, and stability testing.
• Collaborate on product design with scientists and clinical groups to guarantee final formulas deliver on required efficacy and claims.
• Develop and document process, ingredient, and finished product specifications.
• Manage project costs and budgets.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in canned pet food process and formulation.
• Demonstrated understanding of process and formula development, as well as basic food science principles for canned and extruded foods.
• Experience in designing and executing scientific experiments.
• Proven ability to plan and lead cross-functional development projects.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with least-cost formula development and thermal processing technologies (canning/retort).
• Experience using Google productivity apps and statistical software.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.