Summary Description:- Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Aseptic Process Engineering leads process engineering standards, and field execution across Refresco's North America manufacturing network. This role requires a deep understanding of Hot Fill, Cold Fill, and most importantly Aseptic/UHT processing unit operations, dairy manufacturing technologies, and packaging systems, along with hands-on experience in both design and start-up/operations. The Aseptic Process Engineering provides technical leadership and day-to-day directions to technicians, and serves as the subject matter expert for aseptic/UHT processing, thermal processes, equipment reliability, and maintenance program for the Aseptic lines.
Essential Job Functions:- Lead, mentor, and provide technical direction to technicians, including performance guidance.
- Serve as the subject matter expert in UHT/aseptic processing, covering thermal processes, product quality, and equipment reliability.
- Design and map out piping systems for utilities, process lines, and CIP (Clean-in-Place)/SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) systems, ensuring proper routing, sizing, and efficiency.
- Create, manage, and maintain P&ID drawings and engineering documentation, including plant, packaging, and process layouts, equipment specifications, and standards.
- Assist in selecting appropriate pumps, valves, and process equipment to optimize system performance and reliability.
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support to engineering, maintenance, and operations teams, including machine start-ups, cold starts, size/product changeovers, and cleaning/sterilization processes.
- Support installation, startup, and commissioning activities, coordinating with contractors, vendors, and internal teams to ensure accurate execution of designs; provide guidance to contractors and obtain necessary permits.
- Provide technical guidance to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and contractors, ensuring compliance with project specifications and company standards; review vendor drawings, specifications, and submittals.
- Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to enhance production line efficiency, minimize bottlenecks, and reduce downtime.
- Partner with plant vendors to source or recreate critical equipment components, ensuring quality specifications are met and documented.
- Support preventive maintenance programs, lubrication schedules, and coordinate with plant/stores personnel on spare parts requirements.
- Provide technical expertise during client meetings, presentations, and project discussions to ensure alignment with expectations.
- Identify and lead process improvement and efficiency initiatives that align with business growth strategies.
- Ensure all repairs, installations, and maintenance activities are properly documented, permitted, and communicated to relevant stakeholders through to satisfactory resolution.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment, ensuring safety guarding and protocols are properly in place following maintenance, repairs, or installations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned, within the scope of training and capability.
Required Skills:- Deep understanding of Aseptic processing unit operations, dairy manufacturing technologies, and CIP/SIP systems.
- Proficient in 2D and 3D CAD software (AutoCAD and Plant 3D preferred), MS Office, and scanning/point cloud technology for site assessment and design integration.
- Ability to develop conceptual process designs and capital cost estimates; determine equipment sizing, spacing, and utility requirements.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations for OEE, accumulation analysis, V-Curve generation, line staffing, and material flows.
- Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and SOP principles, chemical handling, and sanitation procedures.
- Ability to perform basic mechanical maintenance, adjustments, and troubleshooting on processing equipment.
- Understanding of root cause analysis for contamination, quality, or equipment reliability issues.
- Capacity to understand people and business issues affecting the organization and how the business creates profit and value; ability to assess training and development needs.
Competencies:- Leadership - Fosters a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust; leads courageously; inspires growth with a clear, ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
- Ownership - Eager to take ownership of responsibilities; thinks independently to excel in role and take ownership of challenges.
- Results Focus - Exhibits commitment to goals; proactive and resilient; consistently delivers results, takes initiative, overcomes obstacles, and manages multiple projects efficiently.
- Communication - Communicates effectively in verbal and written form across all levels; builds rapport, resolves conflicts, and provides clear direction to production staff and management.
- Technical / Attention to Detail - Maintains accurate, detailed records of process designs, inspections, and tests; strict adherence to sterile procedures, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance.
- Integrity - Committed to upholding high ethical and quality standards in all process engineering and aseptic activities.
- Adaptability - Able to adjust to changing production demands, sterile environment requirements, and process variations.
- Problem Solving - Breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box, takes action, and evaluates results.
- Customer Focus - Understands and meets the needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related field), or equivalent combination of apprenticeship training and experience.
- 3+ years of experience in process/manufacturing engineering; prior supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
- Aseptic/Dairy processing experience required, including UHT's, homogenizers, separators, filtration plants, mixproof valves, motors, and pumps.
- Experience with Food and Beverage manufacturing; exposure to food safety and sanitary best practices.
- Preferable to have experience with filling, sealing, and packaging equipment used in aseptic production.
- Understanding of PLC and logic controls for manufacturing equipment preferred.
Working Conditions:- Work Schedule: Primarily weekdays; some weekends, evenings, or overnight coverage may be required to support production changeovers, start-ups, or urgent troubleshooting. Overtime scheduled as needed.
- Work Environment: A combination of office/design work and fast-paced production plant environments with numerous moving parts. Plant noise levels require hearing protection, and temperatures can be hot and/or relatively cold.
- Visual/Sensory: This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
- Mental Stress: There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy, or similar demands.
Travel Requirements:- up to 20%, across North America manufacturing sites.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Short-term disability and long-term disability
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
- Well-being Benefit
- Discount and Total Reward Programs
