R&D Process and Ingredients Engineer - Wet Food (M/F)

At Royal Canin, we believe that cat and dog health starts with precision nutrition. Within our Research & Development department, the Research team is responsible for the long-term innovations that shape the products, processes, and technologies of tomorrow.

We are currently looking for an R&D Scientist specializing in process technologies and ingredients for pet wet food to lead and develop our technological roadmap dedicated to wet foods.

Based at our international campus in Aimargues, you will join a cutting-edge scientific environment where innovation, technical excellence, and international collaboration are at the heart of our activities.

Your Missions

As an expert in wet food manufacturing processes for cats and dogs, you will contribute to the development of future generations of products (pâtés, chunks in sauce, jellies, etc.) by combining scientific expertise, technological innovation, and a deep understanding of ingredients.

Develop scientific and technological knowledge

• Identify scientific challenges related to interactions between ingredients and manufacturing processes.
• Study the transformations of raw materials during mixing, emulsification, gelation, and thermal treatment operations.
• Design and lead research programs aimed at understanding the impact of process parameters on the final product characteristics: texture, stability, palatability, nutritional quality, and cost.
• Develop predictive models to optimize formulations and industrial processes.
• Ensure active monitoring of emerging technologies that could provide nutritional, sensory, or industrial benefits.

Lead innovation projects

• Conduct R&D projects from the research phase through to industrial validation.
• Perform and coordinate laboratory, pilot, and plant trials.
• Collaborate with formulation, engineering, quality, production, and supply chain teams.
• Work in partnership with universities, research institutes, suppliers, and Mars international innovation centers.
• Ensure the transfer of knowledge to product development teams and industrial sites.

Bring your expertise to international teams

• Advise R&D teams on the impact of processing on the nutritional quality, digestibility, and health benefits of products.
• Contribute to Royal Canin's global innovation programs.
• Identify intellectual property opportunities and participate in patent filings.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of existing processes and the development of new technological solutions.

Education

• Engineering degree, Master 2, or PhD in food science and technology, food engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering, or an equivalent field.
• A specialization in thermal processes, sterilization, or ingredient/process interactions is a plus.

Experience

• 3 to 5 years of experience in industrial R&D, ideally in the agri-food or consumer goods industry.
• Experience leading technological projects from the laboratory phase to industrialization.
• Good mastery of wet food manufacturing processes, thermal treatments (sterilization, pasteurization), and ingredient/process interactions.
• Knowledge of emulsification systems, gelation, and hydrocolloids.
• Experience with innovative technologies (HPP, MATS, aseptic processes) is an asset.

Fluent English is essential