2026 Full Time: R&D Associate Engineer (UG)

Overview

Job Title: 2026 Full Time: R&D (Research & Development) Associate Engineer - Undergrad

PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. From executives to leaders on the frontline, we are excited about the future. We take chances. Together, we dare to make the world a better place.

Our associates are the magic ingredient. Each of them plays an integral role in helping create deep connections between people and our products. Think about your last group celebration: Chances are, one of our iconic brands was by your side. At PepsiCo, you are invited to be a part of a global team of innovators who make, move, and sell these products-which are enjoyed by more than 1 billion people a day.

A career at PepsiCo means working in a culture where everyone is invited. Here, you can dare to be yourself. No matter who you are or where you are from, you can influence the people around you and the world at large. By showing up, you'll learn, develop, and grow our unique skill sets at work. Our supportive teams can fuel your professional goals to make a global impact.

Join us. Dare for Better.

Responsibilities

Functional Description:

At PepsiCo we place R&D Full- Time hires primarily in the two headquarters locations: Plano, TX; Purchase/Valhalla, NY (New York). In some cases, Full-Time hires will be placed in satellite locations. Location preferences will be discussed in the interview process.

As a R&D Associate Engineer, you will collaborate with cross functional teams comprising technical experts within the R&D function, as well as business unit leaders to design, execute, and launch new innovative products across PepsiCo's portfolio. You will play a critical role in the innovation lifecycle by providing your insight and technical expertise from ideation through product launch.

What you can expect:

• As a process engineer, you will design and develop process test protocols, lead the execution of plant trials, and analyze/communicate test results for potential new product launches.
• During plant trials, you will leverage strong leadership and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot processing issues and make quick informed decisions on your feet within the dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Collaboration with third-party equipment vendors and suppliers to design, optimize, and/or validate food and beverage processing technologies.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams within and beyond R&D, including marketing, sensory, analytical, operations, and strategy, from domestic and international markets.
• Opportunities to expand technical knowledge and education beyond your current expertise through internal PepsiCo R&D education programs, as well as external collaborations with universities.

Qualifications

What we're looking for:

• Currently pursuing a degree in: Engineering (Chemical/Food Process/Mechanical/Electrical) (other related majors will be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into strategic and tactical project goals and objectives.
• Proven ability to make significant technical scientific advances utilizing internal and/or external resources.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to incorporate business needs into technical decisions.
• The ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments/ tasks.
• Familiarity with data science preferred.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Minimum Qualifications -

• Be completing their final year of undergraduate studies ( Graduation dates December 2025 and May 2026)
• Hold a bachelor's degree prior to the intended full time start date.
• This position is limited to persons with indefinite rights to work in the United States

The expected compensation range for this role based on a full-time schedule is $64,000 - $87,000

• Role, degree discipline, degree level, and location are part of the process when determining actual starting salary for positions.

• Compensation for our campus hires is pre-determined and non-negotiable.
• Paid time off in accordance with policy is subject to eligibility and includes vacation, holiday, sick, bereavement and parental leave
• Vacation: for eligible full-time employees, a minimum of 15 paid vacation days
• Holidays: for eligible full-time employees, the company provides 10 paid holidays annually
• Sick Leave: for eligible full- time employees, 10 days (80 hours) of paid sick leave benefits are available for absences related to non-job-related injury. Sick leave benefit will be accrued during your first year at 1 day for each month worked in that calendar year
• Bereavement Leave: In the event of a death of an immediate family member, full-time and part-time regular employees are eligible to receive up to three (3) consecutive working days with pay
• Parental Leave: for eligible employees, the company offers paid parental leave for up to 6 weeks to allow for a time of bonding with their newborn or newly adopted child
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement