PepsiCo R&G Traineeship Programme 2026

Assist in developing and distributing test protocols to key stakeholders after approval by the R&D Manager/Technologist
Assist in organizing and executing R&D projects assigned to the South African R&D team (according to the schedule), including workflows ranging from very limited partial autonomy to immediate delivery and on-demand execution
Support the R&D Technologist on the relevant product platform to execute low-complexity projects, with a particular focus on developing prototypes to support pilot factory testing
Support the R&D Technologist in conducting production trials for low-complexity projects and present the results to the R&D Manager using the TSG methodology

Responsible for routine product quality and analytical testing:

Lead the process of collecting the base product from the production lines for pilot factory development
Collaborate with product developers
Support efficient workflow at the pilot plant, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices
Support the new R&D Technician/Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Representative in HSE initiatives (local, plant-wide, and some one-off)
Conduct online training to enhance business knowledge
Perform seasoning operations, ensuring salt content meets specifications
Conduct the following laboratory tests: Salt Analysis, Oil Analysis, Bulk Density Analysis, Particle Size Analysis, Moisture Analysis, and other areas to support the project.

Develop and communicate project schedules to relevant teams to ensure the availability of necessary equipment and resources
Execute expansion activities at PepsiCo production plants and pre-selected partner manufacturers, working closely with the Project Lead
Provide concise, accurate, and comprehensive project reports to the Line Manager and project teams, including recommendations on ingredients, formulations, and manufacturing conditions
Prepare draft R&D technical data, such as graphic design specifications, manufacturing specifications, and final packaging standards, after obtaining approval from the Project Manager
Collaborate with the Regulatory Affairs department to ensure legal compliance

Successful completion of the theoretical component of a scientific field with a cumulative GPA of 60% or higher, and the applicant must be in their final year of study. (Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering)
South African Citizen
Strong technical and analytical skills, basic knowledge of statistics, and the ability to interpret data and transform it into useful and practical information
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, following a rigorous, systematic, organized, and reliable approach
Excellent communication skills
Future-oriented, with the ability to persevere and provide immediate and direct feedback
High self-motivation, along with strong organizational and interpersonal skills
A willingness to learn, initiative, and proactive work
Ability to work independently and adapt to change and increasing complexity
Integrity and commitment to maintaining the company’s designs, structures, processes, and reputation in all matters
A driver’s license is an advantage

Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within the R&D team and, where necessary, with various departments within the company, including supply chain/operations, marketing, and external partners (e.g., CFAM, Clextral, Schaaf)
Effective negotiation skills to ensure the equitable use of shared resources
Knowledge of current technologies and the ability to understand and apply them
Creative thinking: Ability to generate innovative and viable ideas within the scope of projects
Results-oriented: Ability to persevere
Ability to work independently and adapt to change and increasing complexity
Initiative and self-motivation