Associate Engineer (R&D)

Job Summary
Ready to turn innovative ideas into real-world fragrance solutions? Join us and help develop, scale up and commercialize cutting-edge fragrance delivery technologies that enhance everyday experiences around the world.

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Harnessing the full emotional power of scent, driven by pioneering creativity, science, consumer expertise and a mindful approach to fragrance design.

As an Associate Engineer within the Delivery Processing R&D organization, you will support the development, pilot validation, scale-up and commercialization of innovative fragrance delivery technologies in Benicarló.

This role will focus on process engineering activities, pilot plant execution, experimental trials, process data collection and enable technology transfer from laboratory to pilot and manufacturing scale.

The position is intended for an early-career engineer with strong interest in chemical process development, unit operations, scale-up, manufacturing readiness and industrial problem solving.

Where You'll Make a Difference

- Execute laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing-support trials for Delivery Systems technologies, following approved protocols and safety requirements.
- Support process scale-up activities from bench to pilot and production scale, including preparation, execution, sampling, data capture and post-trial analysis.
- Collect, organize and analyze process data, including process conditions, yield, quality indicators, material balances and critical observations.
- Prepare clear technical summaries, trial reports, batch records, operating procedures and supporting documentation for internal review.
- Assist with process troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and continuous improvement activities in collaboration with scientists, engineers and manufacturing teams.
- Contribute to technology transfer activities with internal manufacturing sites and external toll manufacturers, including preparation of documentation and on-site trial support when required.
- Contribute to process safety reviews, risk assessments, basic equipment evaluations and operational readiness activities.
- Partner with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, EHS, Procurement and Commercial teams as needed to enable project execution.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and communicate results, issues and next steps in a timely and structured manner; this role may involve up to 10% travel to global capsule manufacturing sites, pilot facilities and external toll manufacturers to support process development, scale-up, technology transfer, troubleshooting and commercialization of Delivery Systems technologies.

What Makes You the Right Fit

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, with a strong analytical mindset, problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Typically 0–3 years of relevant industrial, manufacturing, pilot plant, internship, research or experimental experience, demonstrating execution excellence in delivering activities with quality, safety and discipline.
- Basic understanding of chemical process operations, unit operations, pilot-scale experimentation and data interpretation.
- Ability to work safely and effectively in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing environments, consistently applying strong safety awareness and operational discipline.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical work clearly and share technical information in a concise and structured manner.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary and international teams, partnering effectively with scientists, engineers, manufacturing and site functions.
- Learning agility, with the ability to quickly build understanding of Delivery Systems technologies, process requirements and manufacturing environments.
- Fluency in English, with the ability to communicate technical concepts and results clearly across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated ability to balance collaboration, communication, analytical thinking and execution excellence while contributing to process development and operational objectives.

How Would You Stand Out?

- Experience or internship in chemical, fragrance, flavor, food, pharmaceutical, consumer products, specialty materials industries or related manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to process scale-up, pilot plant operations, process validation, batch manufacturing or technology transfer, with familiarity in process safety, EHS requirements, basic equipment operation and manufacturing documentation.
- Knowledge of data analysis tools, statistical thinking or digital tools applied to process development, combined with an interest in encapsulation, microencapsulation, controlled release or fragrance delivery technologies.

Why Choose Us?

IFF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including:

- Comprehensive medical coverage for you, with optional coverage for your family.
- Pension plan to support your long-term financial security.
- Life and accident/disability insurance.
- Benefits Club with exclusive discounts and savings on everyday purchases and vacation packages through a wide network of providers.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering discreet access to a wide range of wellbeing, financial, and personal support services for you and members of your household.
- Work in an inclusive and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more