Darigold is seeking an experienced and motivated Process Engineer - UHT Operations to join our growing team. The Process Engineer is a key technical resource for Darigold's retail facing operations - UHT, Aseptic, ESL, Culture and Fresh milk, responsible for improving process performance, reliability, efficiency and innovation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role operates as a shared site resource, partnering with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering and R&D to stabilize processes, lead trials and change and convert data into sustainable improvements that protect food safety, quality and cost. The ideal candidate brings strong floor presence, analytical rigor and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to translate complex process behavior into practical solutions.
What You Will Do:- Subject matter expert on UHT, Aseptic, ESL, Culture and HTST processing functions across product portfolios and cleaning matrices.
Innovation Trials, Validation & Change Execution -
- Provide support to Product Development on processing functions in conjunction with formulation to achieve intended finished product characteristics.
- Plan and execute process trials, line trials and validations in partnership with PD, QA, OT and Operations.
- Provide technical leadership for process changes, ensuring risks are assessed, mitigated and embedded.
- Support startup, scale-up and post-trial stabilization to sustain improvements.
Process Performance & Optimization -
- Drive improvements in yield, throughput, loss reduction and process stability across B2C operations.
- Analyze process data, trends, and KPIs to identify constraints and prioritize improvement opportunities.
- Lead structured problem solving for chronic and complex process issues impacting safety, quality or performance.
- Establish, monitor and improve critical operating parameters and control strategies.
Quality, Food Safety & Compliance -
- Ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP and aseptic requirements.
- Partner with Quality on investigations, product holds and corrective actions.
- Support audits through strong technical process knowledge and documentation.
Continuous Improvement & Capability Building -
- Provide technical support to Processing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
- Translate operational challenges into measurable continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Apply SPC, trend analysis, Pareto and RCA tools to eliminate variation.
- Provide training to operators on process control and process function.
- Provide technical support to Processing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
- Translate operational challenges into measurable continuous-improvement initiatives.
Shared-Resource & Cross-Functional Support -
- Serve as a flexible technical resource across the Darigold B2C network.
Capital & Project Support -
- Support capital projects, equipment modifications, commissioning and operational acceptance.
What You Will Bring:- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required, Mechanical, Industrial or related disciplines considered.
- 5-7 years of experience in a manufacturing or process-driven environment.
- Proven experience improving process performance using data-driven methods.
- Experience supporting or leading process trials and technical change.
- Hands-on, floor-focused problem solving.
- Data-driven decision making.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong technical capability in process control systems.
- Ownership mindset for safety, quality and results.
- Manufacturing plant environment with frequent floor presence. Off-shift or weekend support may be required during trials, startups or critical issues. Periodic travel to support Darigold production network.
- Position is a fully onsite role, based at our Boise Plant in Boise, ID.
Nice To Haves:- Experience in UHT, Aseptic, Culture, ESL, dairy, beverage or regulated food manufacturing.
- Knowledge of CIP systems, thermal processing and hygienic design.
- Lean / Six Sigma or demonstrated CI leadership experience.
Benefits of Working at Darigold:We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We're proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package that includes:
- 401k competitive employer matching
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
- Employer paid life & disability coverage
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- Education assistance
- Employee assistance program
