PROCESS ENGINEERLocationStratford WI or Willmar MNOnsite, Hybrid or Fully RemoteOnsiteStatusHybrid/RemoteReports ToFiltration Systems DirectorFLSA StatusExemptManagement PositionNo Compensation $78,200-$105,800POSITION OVERVIEWThis position will apply process engineering principles to design, analyze, optimize, and support food and dairy processing systems. The role supports membrane filtration projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup, working closely with customers, sales, project management, automation, manufacturing, and field teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES:Sales Support- Collect and analyze data to support the optimization and improvement of customers' existing process lines
- Support quotation proposals with technical input, equipment sizing estimations, high level process flow diagrams (PFDs), process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
- Utilize historical cost data to support and enhance cost estimation tools while proposing continuous cost-reduction improvements
- Assist sales team with on-site and remote customer meetings for process solutions presentations and discussions
Process Design and Engineering:- Develop technically detailed mass and energy balance calculations for process systems, covering water, heat, and cooling utilities.
- Prepare technical documentation including complete P&IDs, process descriptions, and specifications for use in project execution
- Contribute to computational tools through data collection, analysis, and excel oriented skills
Project Support and Execution- Support projects from conceptual design phase to final execution at customer sites
- Prepare functional description for automation team and lead factory acceptance testing (FAT)
- Partner closely with project and automation engineers to identify and resolve technical, mechanical, and control system issues
- Execute commissioning, startup, and performance verification of filtration systems
- Ensure system performance meets project requirements for capacity, yield, and key process variables
- Prepare SOP manual and train operators & customer technical teams
- Document lessons learned and provide feedback for future project improvement
Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement- Analyze operational data to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality
- Identify and resolve process and equipment issues to enhance productivity through root cause analysis and effective corrective actions
- Support standardization and best engineering practices
Other Duties- Assist after-sales team and customers with inquiries, issues, warranties, upgrades as needed
- On request, give technological support and advice to coworkers in the organization and/or customer's organization
- Attend relevant continuing education classes (i.e. university classes, equipment training)
- Attend industry events (e.g. Cheese Con, WCMA events)
- Other projects as assigned by supervisor
TRAVEL:- Anticipate 35% travel, including client site visits during pre-sales, project kick off, occasional visit during installation as needed, commissioning, periodic trade shows. Potential for international travel 1-2 times per year.
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:- Education: Bachelors degree in dairy food processing, chemical, mechanical, bio-systems etc
- Must have 4+ years' experience in the sanitary dairy process industry and a working knowledge of membrane filtration systems or liquid processing
- Familiarity with industry standards (3-A, ASME, USDA)
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams
Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (3 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision plan insurances; 401K (6% company match & fixed company contribution based on seniority); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time starting at 3 weeks;48 hours sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave.
All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.
