Title:  Associate Engineer - Factory Innovation

Job Title

Associate Engineer – Factory Innovation

Segment / Business Unit

Mars Snacking

Country / Site

Enstek, Malaysia

Job Function

AMEA Snacks Research & Technology

Expected Job Level

 Line Manager’s Name & Position

Associate Director, Process Innovation

Date

August 2026

Job Purpose/Overview

Answer why this job is in the organization; Why this job exists

The Factory Innovation acts as a link between Innovation workstream and Manufacturing team, responsible for commercializing new raw material & process equipment innovation into Enstek & Chonburi’s plant. Working closely with product developers on ensuring product specification, process innovation on new process equipment & plant team on scalability. Factory Innovation also defines material & process specification ranges for optimization performance & quality. This role is based in Enstek, Malaysia and supports the Snacks brand across Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), acting as a technical resource and strategic partner to cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Please list the most important and relevant responsibilities

Drives Business Growth

1. Leads commercializing solutions for new process/material innovations into manufacturing facilities.

2. Define, plan & execute process trials with R&D developers & Manufacturing team to validate performance, quality, efficiency & stability.

3. Identifies & resolves technical & material issues during commercialization.

4. Creates process material & process specifications for the plant during handover. 

5. Collaborates with Product Developers, Technical Service, engineers, supplier & Manufacturing to ensure smooth project handover.

6. Supports continuous improvement & standardization of process & material quality specification.

Leadership

1. Functions as a Program/Project Manager, Planner, Coordinator, Communicator, and Technical Expert.

2. Provides strategic input to cross-functional teams and influences decision-making through technical insights.

Innovation / Creativity

1. Identifies & implements process productivity & sustainability improvements workstreams.

2. Collaborates with suppliers and global resources for scaling new process solutions.

Technical Expertise

1. Serves as the subject matter expert in process engineering (equipment & process flow), raw material specification & Pringle chip finish goods quality.

2. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current operational process technology & finished process quality performance.

People Management

1. Manages one direct report, setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and supporting career development.

Other Duties

1. Based in Enstek Malaysia, with travel (~20%) to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and regional offices.

2. May require extended hours, shift work, or weekend support depending on project needs.

3. Occasional hands-on operation of process equipment.

Context and Scope

Explain how the job gets done and the way it operates within the team and with stakeholders

The role supports a US$250Mn regional business and reports to the Associate Director, Process Innovation, AMEA Snacks. It acts as a link between the Innovation workstream and Manufacturing team, working closely with product developers to ensure product specifications, process innovation on new process equipment, and plant scalability. The role collaborates with Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Project Managers, Sensory, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales, as well as external packaging material suppliers, equipment vendors, co-manufacturers, consultants, and research organizations. It also collaborates with suppliers and global resources to scale new process solutions and works comfortably with local shopfloor operators, technicians, and supervisors.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

State the preferred education, knowledge, skills and experience this position requires.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Process, Mechanical, or Food), Food Science/Process /Technology degree or any related field.

Knowledge / Experience

1. Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in process development or manufacturing within the food industry. Past managerial experience is preferred.
2. Fluent in Bahasa Melayu & English language.
3. Technical & Process Knowledge

• Strong understanding of food/process engineering principles (e.g., heat transfer, powder flowability, mass balance, rheology, fluid dynamics, drying, mixing, extrusion, etc.).
• Experience with scale-up from lab/pilot plant to full-scale production.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, automation, and equipment capability.
• Familiarity with process validation (CQV – Commissioning, Qualification, Validation).

4. Commercialisation & Project Execution

• Able to translate R&D prototypes into commercially viable and scalable processes.
• Competence in trial planning, DOE (Design of Experiments), and data analysis to optimize processes.
• Experience with equipment commissioning, line trials, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
• Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and process efficiency. (OEE, yield loss, etc)

5. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Excellent communication with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Comfortable to work with local shopfloor operators, technicians & supervisors.
• Skilled in writing process documentation, SOPs, and handover reports.
• Ability to translate & transfer trial information to production teams for post-commercialisation.

6. Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Analytical mindset – uses data and root cause analysis to troubleshoot process issues.
• Applies Lean / Six Sigma / Kaizen principles to drive improvement and waste reduction.

7. Innovation & Equipment Development

• Experience in new equipment evaluation and innovation trials.
• Comfortable working with vendors and machine suppliers to co-develop or modify process equipment.

8. Desirable

• Six Sigma certification.
• Experience in snacks, baking process or frying/dough making systems.
• Experience with Minitab or any data analysis, statistical, process improvement tool.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance for food or pharma.
• Experience working with suppliers and external partners on pro technology development.

9. 6.    No/minimal dietary restrictions

Key Mars Leadership Competencies (4-6)

Note: Competencies selected should be job related

Functions as a Program/Project Manager, Planner, Coordinator, Communicator, and Technical Expert, providing strategic input to cross-functional teams and influencing decision-making through technical insights. Identifies and implements process productivity and sustainability improvement workstreams, while collaborating with suppliers and global resources to scale new process solutions. Manages 1 direct report, setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and supporting career development.

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills (3-5)

Distinguish any preferred competences at the end of the list & notate them as “preferred”

Strong understanding of food/process engineering principles (e.g., heat transfer, powder flowability, mass balance, rheology, fluid dynamics, drying, mixing, extrusion, etc.), with experience in scale-up from lab/pilot plant to full-scale production. Competence in trial planning, DOE (Design of Experiments), and data analysis to optimize processes, along with experience in equipment commissioning, line trials, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT). Experience in new equipment evaluation and innovation trials, with knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance for food or pharma. Experience in snacks, baking process or frying/dough making systems, as well as experience with Minitab or any data analysis, statistical, process improvement tool. Experience working with suppliers and external partners on pro technology development. Six Sigma certification.