About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with an iconic portfolio that includes beloved brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, Quaker, and Doritos. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $90 billion. At the heart of PepsiCo's success is a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering consumer-pleasing products that make a positive impact. In the UK, PepsiCo's Beaumont Park site in Leicester stands as a hub for cutting-edge R&D, where groundbreaking process technologies are developed to shape the future of food and beverage production.

Role Overview

The R&D Processing Principal Engineer role at PepsiCo's Leicester site is a senior-level position at the forefront of global innovation. This role drives the delivery of transformational products and process platforms from concept to commercialization, aligning with PepsiCo's strategic business goals. Based at Beaumont Park, a state-of-the-art facility for process innovation and developmental trials, you will act as a pivotal connector between internal Process Function leads, subject matter experts, and PepsiCo's vast external innovation networks. Your work will shape a robust pipeline of emerging process technologies, facilitating deep dives into cutting-edge solutions that enable the Global Process team to meet long-term priorities. Leading a portfolio of complex projects, you will ensure seamless technical progress communication to senior leadership while fostering collaboration with scientists, engineers, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, you will take ownership of high-impact initiatives that define PepsiCo's process technology landscape. Key responsibilities include leading early-stage Science & Technology projects that deliver insights-driven process equipment development, collaborating with internal and external partners to meet time, quality, and cost targets. You will pioneer new methodologies for breakthrough innovation, including external creation, vendor leveraging, research partnerships, technology scouting, and IP opportunities. Partnering closely with PepsiCo’s External Innovation team, you will identify novel process technologies aligned with strategic priorities. As an active cross-functional team member, you will contribute to business development initiatives spanning Operations, Purchasing, Engineering, and R&D. Additionally, you will support project teams with robust planning, execution, and reporting, while nurturing external networks with academics, consultants, and vendors to drive deep process understanding and implement new technologies. Championing rigorous scale-up methodologies, you will deliver superior process specifications optimized for product design.

Project Leadership and Innovation

Expect to manage multiple assignments across laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing scales, deconstructing complex challenges into solvable problems with technically sound approaches.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must hold a BS or higher degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent discipline. A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in FMCG R&D, process, or technology development is essential, with an understanding of Food Science, Food Engineering, and Manufacturing as an advantage. Proven competence in leading technology development, complex program management, and risk strategies is required. Exemplary interpersonal and presentation skills are critical for influencing senior stakeholders with integrity. You should demonstrate a track record of leveraging open innovation for breakthrough results, maintaining networks with academic leaders, universities, and professional organizations. Preferred competencies include first-class project management for complex initiatives, financial oversight of medium/large projects, influencing NPD with creativity, explaining technical concepts to non-experts, and thriving in fast-evolving FMCG environments with a self-starter mindset.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package tailored to attract top talent. While salary details are competitive and estimated at £65,000-£95,000 annually, benefits include performance-based bonuses, a robust pension scheme with generous company contributions, comprehensive private health insurance, and life assurance. Employees enjoy 25+ days of holiday, flexible working options including hybrid models, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support. Additional perks encompass professional development budgets, leadership training programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences. PepsiCo also prioritizes sustainability with initiatives like electric vehicle schemes and cycle-to-work programs, alongside family-friendly policies such as enhanced maternity/paternity leave.

Career Growth

PepsiCo invests heavily in employee development, offering clear pathways for advancement in R&D and beyond. As a Principal Engineer, you will gain exposure to global projects, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams, positioning you for roles like Director of Process Innovation or Global R&D leadership. Internal mobility programs, mentorship from executives, and access to PepsiCo University’s world-class learning platform ensure continuous skill enhancement. Many alumni of this role have progressed to executive positions, leveraging PepsiCo's scale to build illustrious careers.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means contributing to a legacy of innovation that reaches billions daily. At Leicester's Beaumont Park, you will work with world-class facilities and collaborate on projects that redefine food processing. PepsiCo's culture emphasizes integrity, collaboration, and bold thinking, supported by a diverse, inclusive environment where 70% of roles are filled internally. With a focus on sustainability—aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040—you will drive meaningful change while enjoying work-life balance and unparalleled professional rewards.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

Minimum 7-10 years in FMCG R&D or equivalent complex sectors.

Is relocation support available?

Yes, PepsiCo offers relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

What scales of operation will I work on?

Laboratory, pilot plant, and full manufacturing environments.

Is this role hybrid?

Primarily on-site at Beaumont Park with flexible hybrid options.

How does PepsiCo support innovation?

Through external networks, R&D investment, and tools like open innovation platforms.