Jessica Paxton
About Jessica Paxton
Jessica Paxton is an Associate R&D Manager at General Mills with a background in chemical engineering and chemistry, specializing in innovative packaging solutions and cost reduction strategies.
Current Role at General Mills
Jessica Paxton currently serves as an Associate R&D Manager at General Mills. In this role, she applies her specialized knowledge in chemical engineering and chemistry to manage and lead research and development projects. Her responsibilities include overseeing the development of innovative packaging solutions and improving product shelf life, primarily focusing on baked goods.
Former Positions at General Mills
Jessica Paxton has held multiple roles at General Mills prior to her current position as Associate R&D Manager. From 2018 to 2020, she was a Sr. R&D Engineer in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. Before this, she spent five years from 2013 to 2018 as an R&D Packaging Engineer in Minneapolis, MN.
Early Career
Before joining General Mills, Jessica Paxton worked as a Product Development Engineer at Bemis Company, Inc. from 2011 to 2013 in Neenah, WI. Her career began as a Formulation Chemist Intern at Dow AgroSciences in 2010 for three months in the Indianapolis, Indiana Area. Additionally, she was an Undergraduate Researcher at the University of Minnesota from 2009 to 2011.
Educational Background
Jessica Paxton holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she studied from 2006 to 2011. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her expertise in R&D management and packaging solutions.
Professional Achievements
Among her many accomplishments at General Mills, Jessica Paxton led a project to improve the shelf life of baked goods in the Convenience & Foodservice sector and contributed to a significant reduction in production costs for a key product line. She was part of a cross-functional team that launched a new line of gluten-free baked goods and has presented research findings at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo.
Mentorship and Professional Involvement
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jessica Paxton mentors junior R&D engineers at General Mills. She provides guidance on career development and enhances their technical skills. She is also actively involved in the Women in Food Industry (WIFI) network, promoting gender diversity within the field. Jessica holds a certification in Project Management Professional (PMP), further highlighting her commitment to professional growth.