Principal Food Systems Engineer
Carol Stream, IL - USA
Job Summary
As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdingswhich is backed by Berkshire Hathawayyoull be doing things that matter leading at every level and winning a better way. Were committed to making a positive impact on the world providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities and fostering a culture where everyones empowered to be their best.
Though you may not know us by name youve most likely enjoyed meals and refreshments supported by our industry-leading brand portfolio. For decades weve designed and manufactured foodservice equipment for some of the worlds biggest most recognized consumer brands.
We are driven to innovate with a clear purpose in mind: revolutionizing the future of foodservice. Guided by our commitment to Doing Things That Matter Leading at Every Level and Winning a Better Way we focus on delivering meaningful impact for our customers our communities and each other.
The Principal Food Systems Engineer is a senior technical expert responsible for advancing the scientific and engineering understanding of how food interacts with Marmon Foodservice Technologies equipmentincluding holding bins toasters heated platforms and emerging foodservice technologies. This role applies food systems science thermodynamics modeling and simulation mechanical design hands-on prototyping and validation to develop technologies that improve food quality operational performance and customer value. As part of the Advanced R&D Technology Team this role explores incubates and matures food-system technologies that support future product roadmaps competitive differentiation and improved customer outcomes.
Working closely with engineering product management and product teams this individual identifies technology opportunities and translates complex food-quality challenges into predictive models engineering solutions measurable performance metrics proof-of-concept technologies and actionable technical insights that drive future product development. The role is expected to personally contribute throughout the innovation process via simulation engineering design CAD development prototype creation instrumentation experimentation and technical analysis that advance technologies from concept through feasibility and validation.
This is a highly hands-on Advanced R&D Principal Engineer role focused on technology exploration concept development proof-of-concept maturation and solving complex challenges involving food systems heat transfer thermal management and food-equipment interaction through scientific rigor modeling and simulation engineering analysis and experimental development.
What Youll Do
Develop and Apply Modeling Simulation and Analytical Methods
- Develop validate and apply analytical numerical and simulation models to evaluate concepts test hypotheses predict food-system behavior and guide design decisions before physical prototyping and full-scale testing.
- Analyze heat transfer mass transfer airflow humidity behavior contact conditions and thermal response to better understand food-equipment interaction.
- Integrate simulation results experimental data and observed food performance to guide design tradeoffs reduce development risk and accelerate concept maturation.
Drive Hands-On Concept Development and Proof-of-Concept Work
- Work directly in the front-end innovation phase to shape concepts evaluate feasibility and identify promising technical pathways.
- Create mechanical concepts CAD models design layouts prototype configurations and experimental setups to support early-stage technology evaluation.
- Independently design build instrument test and refine prototype systems fixtures sensors data acquisition setups and proof-of-concept hardware with minimal reliance on dedicated technical support.
- Partner closely with engineering product management and product teams to translate scientific insight into physical concepts test articles and practical design improvements.
Explore Evaluate and Mature Emerging Technologies
- Identify evaluate and assess emerging technologies scientific advancements customer needs and industry trends that may create future opportunities for Marmon Foodservice Technologies.
- Perform technical feasibility assessments to understand the applicability risks benefits and limitations of new technologies and concepts.
- Develop technology maturation plans that advance concepts from exploration through proof-of-concept feasibility assessment technology validation and roadmap readiness.
- Generate technical insights and recommendations that inform technology roadmaps innovation investments future product strategies and potential intellectual property opportunities.
Provide Deep Technical Contribution Across Product Development
- Work directly with engineering and product teams to translate food science and application data into engineering constraints design criteria and validation strategies.
- Design and execute experiments including DOE and hypothesis-driven testing to resolve complex development questions.
- Apply technical judgment and evidence-based analysis to influence design direction across multiple programs.
- Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert helping elevate organizational capability in food systems thermal management modeling and simulation experimental methods and technology development.
Strong Foundation in:
- Thermodynamics heat transfer thermal management and food-equipment interaction
- Food systems engineering food texture rheology and product quality analysis
- Modeling simulation mechanical design prototyping and instrumentation
- Experimental design DOE and data-driven problem solving
Skills and Experience Were Looking For
- Experience developing commercial food equipment collaborating with QSR R&D teams or advancing foodservice technologies in innovation-focused environments.
- Experience working hands-on in concept development proof-of-concept work prototyping experimental development and technology feasibility assessment.
- Experience applying rigorous scientific and engineering principles including DOE root cause analysis and multi-variable performance characterization to solve problems involving food behavior thermal response texture moisture and equipment interaction.
- Experience exploring incubating and maturing new technologies from concept through proof-of-concept and technical feasibility validation.
- Deep expertise in food systems thermodynamics heat transfer thermal management modeling and simulation mechanical design and food-equipment interaction.
- Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical challenges develop new methods and frameworks and translate technical insights into innovative solutions through effective cross-functional collaboration.
Required Qualifications
- Masters or Ph.D. in Food Engineering Food Science Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Thermal Sciences or a related technical discipline
- 10-15 years of experience in food systems engineering food science food service equipment development advanced product development or related innovation-focused technical environments
Benefits
We support your well-being with comprehensive and easy-to-use benefits that youll be eligible to enroll in on your first day of employment. Here are some of the highlights:
- Medical Dental Vision and Prescription Drug insurance plans
- Access to a Health Advocate who is an expert in Marmons health plan and can help you select the best health benefits for you and your family
- Tax advantaged spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
- Wellness programs and resources including Telehealth Mental Health Fitness and Family Planning
- Generous paid time off for personal use holidays and parental leave
- Company-sponsored life insurance
- 401(k) with fully vested company match; Marmon may also make an additional annual discretionary contribution to your account whether or not you contribute on your own
- Financial and retirement advising
About Marmon Holdings
Marmon Holdings Inc. a Berkshire Hathaway company comprises 11 groups and more than 100 autonomous businesses with total annual revenue of $10 billion. Marmons 28000-plus team members are celebrating the companys 70th anniversary in 2023 and helping write the next chapter of Marmons story.
Pay Range:
113600.00 - 170400.00We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical dental vision 401k matching and more!
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process please email your request to and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.
Required Experience:
Staff IC