Principal Thermal Processing

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. 
 
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

 

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
 
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

 

 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Principal – Thermal Processing provides global technical leadership for thermal processing across the NPTC Nutrition & Health sites and upon request to Markets, and Manufacturing Sites. This role defines and drives best-in-class thermal processing frameworks, ensuring robust, consistent, and fit-for-purpose approaches for both innovation and operations. The role partners across NPTC Nutrition and Health, Quality by Design, and Nestlé Operations to enable sound technical decision-making, effective validation strategies, and scalable capability building.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 

Technical Leadership & Standards

• Define and continuously improve thermal processing frameworks, including process design, validation strategies (aseptic, retort, hot-fill), and decision logic
• Serve as the technical authority for complex, non-standard, or precedent-setting topics
• Translate emerging science and regulatory expectations into practical tools, templates, and guidance

 

Innovation & Process Development

• Partner with NPTC Nutrition and Health teams to ensure new products, packaging, and technologies are supported by robust thermal process design and validation
• Provide risk-based guidance that balances food safety, compliance, and innovation speed
• Convert learnings into scalable tools and best practices
• Act as Process Authority for research trials and manage site FDA filings to support innovation

 

Technical Assessment & Review

• Provide expert technical support during audits, food safety assessments, and site reviews across internal manufacturing sites, external manufacturers, and co-manufacturers
• Assess the robustness of process design, validation approaches, and supporting technical evidence
• Translate audit and assessment outcomes into system-level improvements, preventive actions, and strengthened thermal processing practices

 

Capability Building 

• Partner with the Thermal Processing Community Manager and Zone/Market experts to deploy standards consistently and strengthen technical capability across the network
• Define competency expectations and contribute to structured technical training, knowledge sharing, and capability development
• Develop advanced training content and support hands-on learning experiences that build practical expertise and ensure consistent application of thermal processing principles

 

Continuous Improvement 

• Identify systemic gaps through audits, deviations, and escalations
• Propose improvements to tools, standards, and training architecture
• Support the overall health and consistency of the thermal processing system

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in thermal process design and validation
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory expectations
• Recognized authority in thermal processing
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence across global, cross-functional teams
• Proven experience translating technical expertise into scalable systems, tools, and training
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

 

 

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