Senior Process Engineer

Job Description

Position Overview
- ----------------

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, **in-person attendance and flexibility are essential** to support production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

This is an opportunity to take on a career-defining engineering role supporting the development and operation of a **state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility**. As the Process Expert Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for process design, implementation, optimization, and commissioning across complex manufacturing operations.

You will help establish the process engineering foundation for a new, highly automated manufacturing environment, driving efficiency, reliability, scalability, quality, and operational excellence from initial concept through production startup and ongoing improvement.

Key Responsibilities
- -------------------

### Process Optimization \& Technical Leadership

* Lead the specification, development, design, and optimization of manufacturing processes to maximize efficiency, quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
* Provide expert technical guidance across process engineering activities, including raw material handling, mixing, molding, coating, extrusion, cooking, conveying, and related operations.
* Develop and implement process efficiency initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings and sustainable operational improvements.
* Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve process-related issues using structured root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and improve production stability.
* Evaluate emerging processing equipment and technology solutions in partnership with R\&D, Operations, and equipment suppliers.
* Establish and maintain process design standards, engineering criteria, and technical documentation.

### Project Management \& Execution

* Lead engineering projects from concept through execution, including scope definition, technical development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and implementation.
* Scope and execute engineering workstreams, production trials, process qualifications, and validation activities.
* Ensure new process solutions integrate effectively into manufacturing operations without adversely affecting production efficiency, scrap rates, throughput, quality, or reliability.
* Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up.
* Collaborate with project teams and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project delivery.
* Support equipment procurement, technical bid evaluations, supplier selection, design reviews, and approval of equipment submittals.

### Cross-Functional Collaboration \& Technical Leadership

* Partner closely with R\&D, Quality, Packaging, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Project Management teams.
* Provide technical leadership during process design, technology evaluations, equipment selection, commissioning, and production implementation.
* Develop and communicate process concepts and technical recommendations to stakeholders across multiple organizational levels.
* Coach and train plant operations personnel on process fundamentals, equipment functionality, and theory of operation.
* Continuously evaluate new technologies and manufacturing approaches to improve performance, flexibility, automation, and sustainability.

### Compliance \& Continuous Improvement

* Ensure manufacturing processes meet applicable health and safety, food safety, sanitary design, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
* Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve process flow, reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
* Support Food Safety, Environmental Health \& Safety (EHS), Sustainability, and operational excellence initiatives.
* Ensure appropriate consideration of HACCP, GMP, ISO, sanitary design, and other applicable food-industry standards throughout process development and implementation.
* Identify opportunities for continuous improvement throughout the facility lifecycle, from design through sustained operations.

Qualifications \& Technical Expertise
- ------------------------------------

Successful candidates will bring a strong combination of process engineering expertise, manufacturing experience, project leadership, and technical problem-solving capability.

### Required or Preferred Experience

* Experience designing, constructing, commissioning, and/or operating **sugar confectionery, chewing gum, snack, prepared food, food \& beverage, or similar processing facilities**.
* Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitary design, and applicable food-industry standards, practices, and regulations.
* Experience developing process design bases and selecting unit operations.
* Experience preparing mass and energy balances,