Overview
The Process Development Engineer facilitates R&D and Engineering in the development and refinement of existing processes, operational standards, and new process designs.
Utilizing a pilot plant, exiting operations and outside technical developments to strengthen the organization in existing fermented dairy products and potential new product development.
Requires a food first focus and passion for process and equipment design for production of wholesome high quality food products.
Responsibilities
- Investigate and experiment with new processing designs and systems to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
- Determine and document critical parameters for equipment and process design using data from credible publications, empirical laboratory tests, pilot- and large-scale trials, and manufacturing.
- Assist with the testing of new process and equipment design concepts.
- Work with Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement groups to continue the refinement after commercialization.
- Investigate potential process control measures and sensors to achieve incrementally improvements in product consistency and process efficiency.
Organizational Relationships
The Engineer reports to the Director Innovation and Technical Services and will influence many departments throughout the organization as a technical leader.
Travel
Travel is expected. Not more than 25%.
Education, Training, and Experience
Degree in Food Science or degrees such as biomedical engineering or chemical engineering with relevant food process design experience.
Formal education and experience in food chemistry, microbiology, fluid dynamics, heat transfer and engineering principles are a must.
Minimum 5 years process engineering experience in the food industry with cultured products highly preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
- Working knowledge of dairy processing unit operations such as HTST and CIP design and regulatory requirements such as 3A and / or European sanitary EHEDG design requirements.
- Knowledge of heat transfer unit operations used in food processing.
- Familiarity with principles of statistical process control is preferred.
- Familiarity with cultured dairy products.
- Must work collaboratively across facilities.
- Aptitude to prioritize work activity according to its value to the organization.
- Experience working on incremental improvement with an ideal state in mind.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and professional demeanor are required.
- This is a hybrid position.