Process Engineer

Job Summary:

• As part of an aseptic and extended-shelf-life beverage manufacturing company, the Process Engineer will be critical in providing process engineering technical support to operations; creating an opportunity for this position to highly impact and influence the future of the organization.
• In this role, the Process Engineer will assist with the planning, design, implementation and management of systems to enhance business objectives and operational performance. This may include developing processes and procedures for manufacturing and packaging, performing validation evaluations and writing/executing validation protocols.
• Additional responsibilities include developing and managing data collection systems for continuous feedback to production and maintenance as well as assisting with the preparation and execution of capital and expense projects.

Role Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and improvements of low acid aseptic process and equipment.
• Supports the Implementation and maintenance of plant equipment, systems and other fixed assets to achieve a high standard of safety, quality, and productivity.
• Provides engineering support to all aspects of the operation, including production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and safety.
• Work closely with maintenance and OEMs to ensure efficient operations and assist in troubleshooting of process, mechanical, and automation issues.
• Assist maintenance with planning and prioritization of work.
• Assist with the process engineering and improvements in dairy receiving, batching/blending, pasteurization, UHT Processing, aseptic filling, facility/utility equipment, and packaging equipment.
• Works to identify root cause of manufacturing deviations using structured problem solving and trend data. Applies root cause analysis and corrective process solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Ensures compliance of process parameters and operational conditions with USDA and FDA regulations.
• Assists with plant improvement initiatives.
• Strong collaboration with other key functions on executing projects.
• Author documents including preventive maintenance plans, standard operating procedures, validation protocols, summary reports, change requests, and other forms.
• Responsible for maintaining working knowledge of cGMPs and emerging regulatory and compliance concerns related to aseptic manufacturing.
• Provide on-site support during process scale-up, customer launch and full-scale production during regular hours and after hours.
• Assist with process investigations and product impact assessments for change controls and internal/external investigations.
• Create equipment/process specifications, and drawings as required and ensure that existing documentation is accurate and appropriate.
• Develop project justification and engineering proposals for capital credit submission.
• Travel to vendor/OEM sites for training and witnessing tests.
• Follow Food Safety Requirement/Standards as needed

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Process, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering required.

Experience & Skills:

• 2-5 years of engineering experience preferred.
• Experience in aseptic processing or equivalent in GMP, FDA, ISO, OSHA, USDA or PMO regulated environment preferred.
• Low Acid Aseptic and ESL manufacturing and packaging experience preferred.
• Dairy Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of problem-solving methodologies; root cause analysis, fishbone, 8D.
• Ability to develop into a subject matter expert of various systems within the plant.
• Proficient skills in troubleshooting mechanical, process, and automation related issues
• Strong teamwork skills
• Knowledge of engineering principles and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing, going up steps, working in uncontrolled temperature environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work with equipment that contains electric magnetic components.

Must Have:

• Bachelors degree required.
• 2-5 years of engineering experience
• Food, beverage, or pharma experience
• Experience in Dairy, extended shelf life, packaging or pharmaceutical would be best.
• Proficient skills in troubleshooting mechanical, process, and automation related issues
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in aseptic processing or equivalent in GMP, FDA, ISO, OSHA, USDA or PMO regulated environment preferred.
• Low acid aseptic and ESL manufacturing and packaging experience preferred.
• Dairy Manufacturing experience preferred.