Senior Engineer Process Innovation
Kellanova · Chicago, IL
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $108k–$142k
- Travel
- 50%
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A senior process role at Kellanova (food & beverage) in Chicago, IL. A Taste of What You Will Be Doing.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation, SAP
- Base pay
- $108k–$142k
- Day to day
- about 50% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $78k–$107k. This one lists $108k–$142k.
Median of the low and high ends of 17 live postings that list pay, out of 26 process engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 25 other live process postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 35% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $78k–$107k, from 16 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Lean 46%
- Root cause 42%
- Six Sigma 35%
- Tooling 31%
- SPC 31%
- New product launch 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Kellanova
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- The posting says about 50% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from KellanovaAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
A Taste of What You Will Be Doing
- ◆Drive Process Innovation – Lead development, scale-up, and implementation of robust, scalable process solutions from concept through commercialization.
- ◆Provide Technical Leadership – Apply engineering/process expertise to solve complex challenges, advance new technologies, and accelerate innovation across R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and external partners.
- ◆Enable Scale-Up & Deployment – Develop process specifications, validation plans, technical standards and impeccable documentations/communications to ensure successful implementation.
- ◆Advance Technology Strategy – Identify process gaps, emerging technologies, and innovation opportunities to strengthen future manufacturing capabilities.
- ◆Drive Technical Excellence – Apply experimentation, data analysis, and structured problem-solving to improve process performance, reliability, quality, and technical risk management.
- ◆Build Technical Capability – Mentor junior engineers, share best practices, and leverage technical networks to strengthen process engineering capability across teams and sites .
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. Within Accelerator, the Better For You portfolio includes KIND®, RXBAR®, Nutri-Grain®, Special K Bars®, and Pure Organic® and within Tasty & Wholesome, the portfolio includes Eggo®, Rice Krispies Treats® and Pop Tarts®. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, we are driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming how we work through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.
We're looking for passionate technical collaborators to help RKT (Rice Krispies Treats®) become a leader in Mars Snacking and positively impact our consumers along the way. The Senior Engineering Process Innovation reporting to R&D Senior Technical Manager, Tasty & Wholesome RKT, plays a key role within the Accelerator business. Lead large and complex food processes and technical developments for innovation, renovation, network optimization and cost saving projects. This role will be based out of our office locations in either Chicago, IL or Battle Creek, MI. Estimated travel is 35-50% and may include global travel.
We're Looking for Someone With
- •Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering/Food Science or a related field with relevant technical experience (with CPG company).
- •A clear and in-depth understanding of process technology, equipment, and systems (cereal process is a plus).
- •Significant experience in leading and managing multiple projects independently focused on operation and scale-up in manufacturing plants.
- •Significant related work experience; previous experience managing innovation, renovation, network optimization and cost saving projects.
- •Strong knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, One Note.
- •Strong time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to multi-task
- •Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and partner with leaders and cross-functional business partners.
What’s Next
Applications for this position will be accepted through November 10, 2026. After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. If you join our team, you’ll be rewarded for the difference you make. Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.
Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email USA.Recruitment@Kellanova.com.
Get to Know Us
We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world-class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.
Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here , and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.
Let’s shape the future of snacking.