Job Description:
The Associate Scientist develops and executes new product formulations, line extensions, and product improvements across the Gum & Mints portfolio (such as Extra, Airwaves and Hubba Bubba). Working closely with cross-functional partners, this role turns consumer insights into tangible, great-tasting products from initial benchtop prototype through to factory scale-up.
What are we looking for?
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, a related scientific discipline or equivalent
Hands-on experience in a food lab, test kitchen, or pilot plant environment
Solid project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Strong problem-solving mindset and technical curiosity
Clear oral and written communication skills
Ability to travel up to 15%
Preferred Qualifications
1–3 years of FMCG product development experience
What will be your key responsibilities?
Product Formulation & Prototyping: Design and test gum and mint formulations in the laboratory and pilot plant, focusing on flavor release, texture, chew profile, sweetness longevity, and freshness
Project Execution: Lead the technical delivery of assigned innovation, cost-optimization, and ingredient-continuity projects within agreed timelines and budgets
Scale-up & Factory Trials: Partner with manufacturing and factory innovation teams to test and validate formulations on full-scale production lines
Specifications & Quality: Create and maintain accurate raw material, recipe, and finished product specifications to ensure consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and accurate costing
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to evaluate project feasibility and ensure smooth commercial launches
Problem Solving: Apply sound scientific methods and root-cause analysis to troubleshoot recipe, stability, or processing issues
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.
This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 74,511.00 - USD 102,453.00Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, a related scientific discipline, or equivalent
- Hands-on experience in a food laboratory, test kitchen, or pilot plant environment
- Solid project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong problem-solving mindset and technical curiosity
- Clear oral and written communication skills
- Ability to travel up to 15%
- 1-3 years of FMCG product development experience
Mars Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mars and has not been reviewed or approved by Mars.
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Healthcare Strength — The benefits package is positioned as comprehensive, with broad medical coverage and additional protections like life insurance and short- and long-term disability. Mental health support is emphasized, including free mental health services and wellbeing programming under initiatives such as Mars Be Well.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted as market-leading in the U.S., with an example of 18 weeks fully paid for both parents. Additional family-related leave types such as sick time for caregiving and bereavement leave are also described as part of the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as strong, including 401(k) matching (with a 6% match cited) and pension plans in some cases. The broader package also references retirement savings options and contributions aligned to local market practice, supporting long-term financial security.
Mars Insights
What We Do
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and petcare products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, Pet Partners™, and VCA™. We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive.
