Fruit & Vegetable - Research Engineer

PepsiCo is a world leader in convenient foods and beverages, with 2005 revenues of more than $32 billion and more than 157,000 employees.

The company consists of Frito-Lay North America, PepsiCo Beverages North America, PepsiCo International and Quaker Foods North America. PepsiCo brands are available in nearly 200 countries and territories and generate sales at the retail level of about $85 billion.

PepsiCo offers product choices to meet a broad variety of needs and preference -- from fun-for-you items to product choices that contribute to healthier lifestyles.

PepsiCo's mission is "To be the world's premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce healthy financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness and integrity."

Engineers at Frito-Lay translate strategic market objectives into new products and processes.

This position will focus on research and development of fruits and vegetables. This research will be translated into technical recommendations that will be used by product development teams to create new snack foods.

?* This position will be leveraged as the organizational expert in processing fruit and vegetables and will serve as the primary linkage between the research team and the product development team.

?* Ability to interact with cross-functional/cross-location team members is a must .
?* Salary paid will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.

Key responsibilities for this position inclue, but are not limited to, the following:
?* Utilize scientific methods to develop knowledge that creates business opportunities that support the company strategic market objectives.
?* Provide technical and business risk assessment/perspectives related to new product development.
?* Design and execute experiments, and analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations.
?* Initiate innovation and development of dehydration processing technologies for fruits and vegetables
?* Participate as an active member of cross-functional business development teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines including Purchasing, Engineering, and External Partners.

Degree Preferred: ?Masters
Majors Preferred: ?Engineering- Chem/Agricultural/Food Process

?* 3+ Years Experience in food or agriculture industry
?* Demonstrated ability to translate research findings into accomplished strategic business objectives and tactical project goals.
?* Proven ability to make significant technical scientific advances utilizing internal and/or external resources.
?* Demonstrated understanding of how to incorporate business needs into technical decisions.
?* The ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant, or agricultural / farm environment.
?* Proven ability to manage multiple assignments/ tasks.
?* Strong communication skills (oral and written).
?* Willingness to travel up to 25%.
?* Available to begin full-time employment in 2006.

The following represent preferred qualifications associated with this position:
?* 5+ years experience in research and development of food (manufacturing, processing technology, new product development), or agriculture (fruit & vegetable cultivation, harvesting, handling, agronomy, storage)
?* Ability to translate research findings into relevant and actionable information with regards to new snack product development.
?* Evidence of application of research knowledge via patents or referred publications in journals