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,