The Process Engineer is responsible for leading the design and implementation of solutions that meet the needs of our diverse food and beverage manufacturing operations. This role requires a deep understanding of food processing technologies, the design and delivery of production systems for food and beverage manufacturing facilities, with an emphasis on raw material storage, processing, thermal processing, mixing & blending, filling, and food safety compliance, as well as a commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The Process Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, engineering, architects, manufacturing, project management, and field staff to ensure that all process solutions are innovative, functional, and fully developed to include all requirements for successful operation.
Duties/Responsibilities:- Design processes to achieve project goals
- Define processing steps required to make food or beverage products, handle waste or byproducts, and cleaning systems.
- Calculate equipment rates, create optimal food plant layouts, and prepare block and/or process flow diagrams to ensure all flows are understood and included in the design.
- Engineer process equipment & systems
- Perform process calculations, size and select equipment & components; ensure designs comply with relevant codes, standards, & sanitary practices.
- Develop P&ID's, equipment specifications, installation specifications, equipment lists, controls narratives for coordination, and coordinate 3D modeling with design.
- Coordinate with 3rd parties for equipment engineered by others, with internal or external project team members for integration of the process into plant infrastructure.
- Support procurement of equipment & installation packages
- Assist in identifying suppliers & subcontractors, perform technical writing aspects in bid packages for scope definition, compile technical engineering documents for bid packages.
- Participate in bid-scope reviews, assist in analyzing proposals, lead design reviews of drawings & models, attend coordination meetings, review submittals, participate in factory acceptance testing.
- Support installation of process equipment
- Review installation submittals and participate in subcontractor coordination meetings.
- Travel to site for technical assistance, coordinate directly with Stellar field staff and subcontractors, identify and resolve issues that arise, review installations for correctness, and revise drawings for as-built conditions.
- Startup & commissioning of process equipment
- Assist in preparing comprehensive documentation of commissioning processes, test results, and system performance.
- Assist in process system testing and commissioning activities, including functional testing, performance testing, and safety testing.
- Coordinate with clients and stakeholders for system handover, providing necessary documentation and training for operational staff.
- Maintain current knowledge of food manufacturing trends, regulatory requirements, and food industry-specific considerations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:- Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
- Thorough understanding of the food industry, process systems, & plant operations.
- Familiarity of startup and commissioning processes and procedures for process systems.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, capable of identifying and resolving issues.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including interpersonal skills.
- Innovative thinking and the ability to develop creative solutions.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Knowledge and understanding of industry regulations, and standards including safety as relates to food or beverage manufacturing systems.
- Flexibility to work in different environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
Education/Experience:- Bachelor of Science Engineering degree in Chemical, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or a related field.
- Advanced degrees or certifications in continuous improvement methodologies are advantageous.
- Minimum of 1-7 years of experience in food or beverage manufacturing systems. Relevant professional certifications are a plus.
- Experience in calibration, startup and commissioning of food or beverage process systems is preferred.
- Knowledge of Ingredients and their reactions to heating, cooling, mixing, blending, pumping.
- Knowledge of Process Controls that support recipe management and product repeatability.
- Knowledge of 3A, USDA, or FDA sanitation requirements and regulatory entities.
- Skilled in relevant software; Microsoft Office Software, AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, Procore, Bluebeam, Adobe, Power BI, and ACC is preferred.
- Experience with process design and engineering in a design-build or EPC setting.
- Exposure to sustainability-focused initiatives such as water reuse, energy recovery, or nutrient capture is a plus.
Travel Requirements:- Ability to travel regularly for site visits, attend project meetings, corporate training, and events.
- Ability to travel internationally, obtain and maintain a valid passport.
- Travel expected to be at least 20%.
- Flexibility to travel on short notice for urgent business needs.
- Comfortable with various modes of transportation, including flights, trains, and rental cars.
- Ability to navigate and work effectively in diverse geographical locations and time zones.
- Ability to adapt to different cultures and customs while traveling.
- Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance during business trips.
- Compliance with company travel policies and procedures.
Physical Requirements:- Ability to use a computer, phone, iPad, printer, scanner, and other office equipment.
- Visual acuity for detailed work and computer use.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds of files, documents, and materials
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time, ability to climb flights of stairs and ladders.
- Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as necessary.
- Manual dexterity for operating office equipment, measuring devices, quality & testing devices.
- Ability to work around machinery during installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
- Capability to handle occasional exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, wet environments, and extreme odors.
Stellar offers a comprehensive package which includes: - Competitive pay based on experience
- Paid Time Off - accrue 15 days (120 hours) within first year of service
- Paid holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) - company match with immediate vesting
