We are seeking a detail-oriented, results-driven, and proactive Process Engineer to support and optimize manufacturing operations within our food and beverage production facility. This role is responsible for improving production efficiency, reducing waste, ensuring product quality, supporting food safety initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 3 years of experience in food or beverage manufacturing environments, demonstrates strong end-to-end project ownership, communicates with clarity and purpose, and maintains a consistent standard of professional availability and accountability. A strong understanding of process optimization, automation, capital project execution, and regulatory compliance is required.
Responsibilities- Analyze, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, product quality, and safety.
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to support operational goals.
- Establish and maintain a structured equipment handover process with the Maintenance function to ensure all newly installed or commissioned equipment is fully transitioned into the maintenance program upon project completion.
- Support new product introductions and scale-up activities from pilot to full production.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, process flow diagrams, work instructions, and CAD drawings for equipment layouts and process configurations.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, GMP, HACCP, FDA, USDA, OSHA, and company quality standards.
- Proactively identify risks before they become operational impacts and escalate constraints to management with a recommended solution path.
- Own capital improvement projects end-to-end including scope development, equipment selection, vendor management, installation, commissioning, validation, and post-commissioning performance verification.
- Accountability for project outcomes rests with this role regardless of internal or external dependencies involved in the execution chain.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement preventive and corrective actions with a documented resolution plan and defined timeframe.
- Proactively communicate project status, milestones, constraints, and risks to direct supervisor and plant management before they escalate into measurable operational or financial impacts. Management visibility into all sensitive and urgent project developments is a standing expectation of this role.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities independently. Demonstrate consistent workload prioritization and momentum without requiring management intervention to maintain project progress.
- Utilize professional scheduling and calendar tools to manage all commitments, deadlines, vendor appointments, and project milestones. All scheduled obligations are to be honored consistently and communicated to management in advance.
- Support sustainability initiatives related to energy usage, water consumption, and waste reduction.
Required Skills/Abilities/Education- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 3 or more years of process engineering experience in food and beverage manufacturing.
- Demonstrated end-to-end capital project management experience including vendor negotiation, timeline accountability, contractor oversight, and commissioning. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within scope.
- Proficiency in CAD software for 2D and 3D design including equipment layout, process flow diagrams, and capital project documentation.
- Knowledge of food processing systems, sanitation standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
- Proficiency with data analysis tools, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Exceptional communication skills - written and verbal. Candidate must demonstrate the ability to deliver concise, structured, and solution-oriented communication to management, peers, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Demonstrated proactiveness in identifying issues, surfacing constraints, and driving initiatives without being prompted.
- Professional availability and flexibility with working hours. Confirmed schedule reliability and professional punctuality.
- Strong organizational discipline including consistent and structured use of calendar and scheduling tools to manage professional commitments, vendor visits, project milestones, and deadlines.
Preferred- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience with automated manufacturing systems and PLCs.
- Familiarity with powder manufacturing, hot fill thermal processing, CIP systems, mixing, filling, packaging, or beverage processing systems.
- Experience in high-speed manufacturing environments.
- Experience managing capital projects in the food and beverage manufacturing sector with confirmed budget and timeline accountability.
