R&D Senior Packaging Engineer – Structural FEA and Machine Learning Full-time

Overview

PepsiCo R&D’s strategy is to build capabilities that can enable us to become Faster, Stronger, and Better. Packaging can be a critical lever to enable this, by driving better consumer experiences and product liking, bringing cost opportunities to our bottom line, and integrating purpose into our business strategy through sustainable packaging. And more and more we have the need to deliver this right first time, and in the most timely and agile way.

To do this effectively, we therefore need to transform the way we work, looking holistically at our end-to-end development processes, from design to market implementation. This will require us to move from more physical development and testing to a virtual development process, using the latest virtual design tools, data analytics, digital models, and prototyping capabilities.

The PepsiCo Global Beverages R&D – Advanced Engineering & Design Team is a strategic research and development team within Packaging R&D aimed at driving innovation and establishing the feasibility of breakthrough Packaging technologies, to enable the winning consumer experience. The AE&D team works in cross-functional collaboration towards the innovation and development of highly differentiated packaging concepts and technology platforms by linking consumer insights and emerging technologies to satisfy our business objectives. We are at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance our products and processes. As part of our commitment to staying ahead in the industry, we are seeking a skilled and experienced specialist to join our team.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in physics based structural simulations, data analytics, machine learning, and a deep understanding of their applications in the context of consumer packaged goods. In particular, we are seeking a subject matter expert familiar with the application in palletized distribution analytics of consumer product goods. Candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our packaging engineering capabilities and accelerating package lifecycle development. Additionally, candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and optimize software solutions that help us digitally automate and optimize new package design and development. Virtual tools, Data Science and Analytic tools, combined with smart/instrumented physical testing, are widely recognized as robust tools within the engineering toolbox, to develop winning global packaging for the consumer goods market. Our goal is to drive breakthrough packaging innovation that delights our consumers, ensuring robust design for optimal performance from the point of creation, to the consumer and through disposal.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced analysis capabilities, leveraging FEA, ML techniques, data science and advanced analytics principles to optimize performance of palletized goods under distribution testing.
• Act as a subject matter expert concerning multi-variate data analytics, modeling and simulation and digital twins by continuously researching to stay updated on the latest advancements in AI/ML technologies.
• Develop software solutions for distribution test performance prediction leveraging physical and virtual data and extract meaningful insights that can be used to optimize packaging performance and quality.
• Drive packaging innovation and integrate analytical models into existing distribution systems and associated supply chain for real-time monitoring of palletized goods and decision making.
• Support the development of the overall AI/ML strategy, aligning it with business goals.
• Work with lab team to extract physical test data from smart, instrumented lab tools (accelerometers, GPS sensors, temperature sensors, computer vision tools) to feed data models.
• Maintain open communication and build strong relationships with multiple functions including PepsiCo’s R&D, Engineering, Operations and Supply Chain Development Teams.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to understand organizational objectives and translate them into actionable strategic initiatives.
• Protect information and materials provided to third parties (e.g., consultants, vendors, suppliers, OEMs) by ensuring proper procedures are conducted and parties are contractually obligated to follow by PepsiCo’s Non-Disclosure Agreements as necessary.

Compensation & Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $79,800 – $133,450.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility; target payout is 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Packaging, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science and Analytics with proven academic experience in developing and implementing FEA simulations, AI/ML and/or digital twin solutions in related consumer goods field (preferably in rigid and flexible packaging tested under industry approved distribution test methods)
• MS candidates with 2+ years of industry experience in hands on distribution testing under standard protocols similar to methods by ISTA
• PhD graduates with experience in hands on distribution testing under standard protocols similar to methods by ISTA
• Demonstrated expertise on application of data science and analytics principles in industrial applications, to verify performance and manufacturability, and drive form/fit/function optimization
• Solid experience with applying data science and analytics software and tools, advanced engineering, and simulation preferred
• Strong leadership qualities, verbal and written communication skills, and technical analysis and problem-solving skills are required

Critical Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Broad knowledge of data science and analytics principles
• Application of reduced order surrogate models in industrial applications (AI/ML)
• Broad knowledge of packaging systems
• Analytical thinking
• Strong knowledge of engineering analysis
• Intellectual curiosity
• Beverage packaging design/development processes
• Building strong technical relationships
• Passion in Structural Mechanics, Polymer Material Modeling, Material Characterization, Stress/Strain analysis.
• Experience with palletized goods distribution testing with familiarity of 3DOF and 6DOF vibration table experiments
• Experience with data science and analytics software such as NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, TensorFlow, ML, DL, NLP, GCP
• Experience with finite element analysis software: Abaqus, LS-Dyna, ANSYS, Fluent, MSC -Nastran, SW Simulation
• Experience with CAD software: SolidWorks, Catia, Creo/ProE, Fusion360 is a plus
• Project management skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork & collaboration
• Motivated & results driven
• Innovative thinking
• Ability to work in an ambiguous and dynamic work environment

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

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