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Engineering PTC Management Development Associate (R&D)

Company: Nestl Purina North America | Location: Clinton, Iowa | Posted: Aug 12, 2026

Job Summary

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.

Position Summary

For more than 80 years, we?ve led the charge in revolutionizing pet food production and its ability to enrich the lives of pets everywhere. By 1956, through innovative engineering, we literally reshaped pet care, introducing Dog Chow as the first extruded dry food. We?re still at it today, with Tidy Cats, the lightweight cat litter champion of the world and Pro Plan Bright Mind, a breakthrough formula with enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in aging dogs. Such leadership requires constant innovation--that's where youwill play an integral role.

As an EngineeringPTC (Product Technology Center)Management Development Associate at Nestl Purina,we?llcoach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. You?ll play a key role in leading research projects behind the everyday innovation and renovation of our pet food products. Together, wewillexplore qualityassurance,safety,supply chain, accounting, human resources, production,engineering, informationsystems, and operations performance to understand the collaborative nature of R&Dengineering. You?ll also work closely with our Corporate R&D team in St. Louis, MO,to focus on research projects and develop a keen understanding of the science behind our factory equipment and products.

Why choose a leadership developmental role with us? It's a full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotationalcomponentof the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocation assistance package, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building yournetwork,and launching your career.

  • Master plant process flows, utility flows, capacities,procedures,and practices
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts to improve process sustainability,capacity,and efficiency
  • Plan, organize, and perform trials and experiments (pilot and factory scale) to complete process and product development projects
  • Lead capital projects in factories andpilotplants in accordance with engineering standards(some travelrequired)
  • Handle development and implementation of product line extensions using new and existing equipment in the factory
  • Research and propose R&D projects utilizing technical innovations/renovations applicable to Nestl Purina?s business strategy
  • Participate in quarterlytechnical competence unit (TCU)Engineering calls, as well as the TCU Global Engineering Conference in St. Louis

Requirements

  • Bachelor?sdegree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical,Industrialor related) attained or expected by June 2027
  • Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestl Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program
  • You will start your rotation for this Engineering PTC MDA at the Nestl Purina factory in Clinton, Iowa

Other

  • Advanced degree or prior experience in research preferred
  • Prior internship,co-op, practicum or manufacturing experience preferred
  • Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Don?t meet all the qualifications listed under other ? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestl Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.

Thestartingpayfor this position is$85,000per year. Please note that the pay provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Nestl offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestl Careers (nestlejobs.com).

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestl. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestl seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you?ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestl home.

The Nestl Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition:412485

How to Apply

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