Posted 4/17/2019
Principal Engineer Global Packaging Development, Sustainability – Chicago, IL
A mutually rewarding experience.
Work. Realize your ambitions. And realize there’s more to being in business than just making a profit. That’s the Mars philosophy. And the opportunity we offer every one of our Associates. An opportunity to take what you do and make it mean more for you, for those around you and for the planet. What you get here is challenging, interesting work. You get the tools you need to do a great job and you get to have the best possible people on your side to help you do it. And at the same time as getting to find ways to do business better today than we did it yesterday and driving a great career, you also get to build a more enlightened business and drive sustainability.
Because it’s never just about a single person, a single project or a single brand. It’s about how you can grab everything that’s within your reach here and use it to pursue mutual, long-term gain. It’s about having ideas. And ideals. Being prepared to risk failure because the promise of success means we’ll all be a little better off. It’s that mix of integrity and ambition that makes Mars such a special place to work. And why working here is always about more than just a job.
About Mars, Incorporated
Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.
Principal Accountabilities
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Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for solving a variety of complex packaging material design and engineering problems; assesses feasibility and soundness of proposed material solutions; ensures products, equipment and materials are designed and developed to the highest standard; establishes design constraints; collaborates with management to define technical needs. Individual contributor who guides executives and engineers in resolving complex issues in packaging sustainability based on existing solutions and procedures; works independently with guidance only in the most complex situations.
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Experiment with and scope innovative packaging sustainability technologies & new routes-to-market for their value, and communicate outcomes with recommendations.
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Create and execute development plans for new packaging sustainability platforms that create a competitive advantage.
Key Experiences
Delivery:
Advanced skill level in delivering results by managing, leading and coordinating program activities while also acting as an individual contributor. The principal engineer delivers technical/ functional programs that are directed by the business needs and/or R&D functional needs activities.
Business Strategy:
Advanced level and actively builds program strategy within area of expertise. Proactively identifies opportunities to develop and optimize the global program against the strategy.
Technology/ Program Development:
Advanced level and builds the short to medium-term functional initiative pipeline.
Drives the global program from start to finish, collaborates with multi-disciplinary cross-functional teams to ensure successful program launch.
People & Technical Capability development:
Advanced and actively mentors associates in area of own expertise.
Is responsible for the development of the core functional competencies within their own area of expertise.
Qualifications
Minimum
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Bachelors’ degree in Science, Engineering, Logistics, Design or relevant field and/or military experience
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10 years of work experience
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8 years experience identifying and implementing technology, products, or processes to improve experiences or efficiencies.
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Demonstrated solid verbal and written communication skills
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Ability to travel up to 30%
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Applies depth and expertise as a validation lead to solve major, complex technical issues.
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Extensive project management, process management, and problem solving experience
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Ability to organize and present technical and project management overviews without assistance
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Demonstrated strong process optimization and analytical skills
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Proven ability to create results within budget, timeline, and deliverables
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Self-motivated with good interpersonal skills, must be able to simplify the complex and speak to difference audiences/levels of management.
Preferred
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Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry or Packaging Engineering Degree
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Ph.D or Masters in Materials, Packaging or Chemical Engineering
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15 years of relevant work experience
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Familiarity with change management
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Ability to educate others
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Experience with Consumer Packaged Goods, Resin suppliers, or Recycling
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2 years working in an innovative work environment
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1 year of experience in a start-up environment
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1 year of working in an extremely ambiguous environment with limited guidance, with demonstrated problem solving experience
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Recognized as a technical expert by peers and management
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.
