Job Description

:
Overview
You've learned a lot as a student already. Want to put it into practice at PepsiCo?
Our placement programmes are structured to give you the chance to make an impact on some of the world's biggest brands. From day one, you'll be working on projects that matter. You will shake things up, shape trends, and get guidance and development to help you discover your potential.
We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduates to join our R&D teams on a 12-month placement programme starting in July 2026 on a full-time basis. All our Research & Development opportunities are based out of Beaumont Park, Leicester.
Innovation takes centre stage at PepsiCo! That means our Global R&D team are at the heart of the action and are kept busy creating the products of the future, for our global consumers. In a fast-paced consumer environment, our research and development capability is crucial to provide a fresh twist to our favourite brands as well as creating new to the world healthy choices that we need to succeed in the market. Our research and development focuses on building a consumer-centric understanding, enabling us to design products for the latest consumer needs - whether nutrition, refreshment, or indulgence - driving our growth both now and in the future.
You'll have lots of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to our business and in return, you'll have the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast-paced, energetic environment.
Process Development - Virtual Development/Flavour & Seasoning
Global Process Engineering is responsible for developing new technologies for manufacturing food products. In this role, you'll help explore new technologies and improve existing ones, applying machine learning and physics-based modelling to drive innovation and problem-solving.
The main aspects of the role involve managing workstreams in technology development and evaluation projects, conducting experiments, and building data and physics-based models to build scientific understanding and provide insights.
Responsibilities
What you will be doing:

• Lead and execute experimental studies at both bench and pilot scale to build insights to support the development of new processing technologies.
• Lead research projects involving physics-based modelling and simulation using tools such as discrete element modelling (DEM).
• Use AI, machine learning, and statistical tools to generate insights and support decision-making.
• Develop technical solutions for process and/or mechanical engineering projects, collaborating with internal teams and external experts.
• Sustain an organized environment in the pilot plant during periods of high activity, including working with the pilot plant team to ensure a seamless supply of raw materials and services.
• Participate in the safety assessment aspects of projects.
• Working globally with Research Institutes, Consultancies, and Suppliers, to build new technology for PepsiCo based on leading-edge scientific knowledge.

Qualifications
What are we looking for?

• Students who have the full right to work for the duration of the full-time placement (July 2026-July 2027).
• Students currently in their penultimate year of university studies, where the course includes the option of completing a sandwich placement before returning to study after the placement.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with modules, prior experience or strong interest in at least one of the following domains: modelling & simulation, data science/machine learning and powder technology.
• Technical curiosity and interest in working in an R&D environment.
• Ability to communicate ideas, concepts and project plans in written and oral form
• Collaboration and teamwork

What else do you need to know?
Our placements start in July 2026 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months. The salary is 25,500.
Other benefits:

• Vibrant culture
• Development and mentoring
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays , birthday leave
• Discounted PepsiCo products
• Competitive pension scheme
• Market-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP: available to you and your family 24/7, Discounted gym membership, SWORD; online free digital physiotherapy service

Our application process involves:

• Online application
• One-way video interview sent to you by the Talent Acquisition team: September- October 2025
• Virtual Assessment Centre November- December 2025 (subject to change)

Application Closing Date: 20th of October 2025
Our application window is scheduled to close on the above date; however, in the event of a large response, we will close applications early. We would therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.

Skills Required