Our client is a major food and beverage processor located in Northern California. They are one of the most recognized food brands in the world, with annual sales exceeding $1 billion. They have been in the business of producing healthy products for over a hundred years. Their core values of integrity, partnership, innovation and quality remain strong. They have a new opportunity for a Process Engineer, R&D.

JOB SUMMARY

Supports innovation activities associated with identifying and implementing new process technologies that result in the development and commercialization of new products. Engages in the research and development of proprietary technologies along with processing that will create a long-term. defensible product leadership position for the Company.  Conducts process scale-up from pilot plant to production level.  Designs and develops experimental plans for feasibility tests, manufacture of consumer products, plant trial runs, line commissioning, and audits.  Partners with production personnel to troubleshoot and identify the root cause of production problems and implement effective solutions.  Effectively communicates at multiple levels within the organization and works well on cross-functional teams.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Supports long and short-term innovation strategies for the branded and ingredient businesses.

Participates in cross-functional teams where necessary to contribute to Company goals.

Provides leadership and support in the identification of needed processes and the scale-up process to bring pilot plant products to a commercial manufacturing level.

Works with teams through the commercialization process to test new ideas, determine feasibility, develop cost estimates, issue equipment and processing recommendations, and coordinate processing implementation.

Develops and follows technology innovation timelines and monitors task management.

Completes appropriate tasks within innovation projects such as technical studies, product design, preparation of specifications, and product testing.

Coordinates activities concerned with innovation technical development: scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test problems.

Controls expenditures within limitations of project budget.

Prepares interim and completion project reports.

Applies engineering expertise to equipment design, problem solving, and quality improvement.

Provides process engineering knowledge to implement efficient, effective technology transfer between R&D and Operations.

Assists in planning and establishing new pilot plants when required.

Collaborates with R&D in developing and designing the required new product process-flow documents; develops equipment and process specifications and system performance parameters.

Assists in commission / validation and start-up of new processes / equipment.

Performs robust situation analyses, document manufacturing methods and procedures.

Analyzes and trends data to ensure that manufacturing systems will reliably deliver high-quality product within specification and cost.

Builds cohesive and strategic relationships with existing internal and external partners.

Keeps abreast of existing and new technologies that are applicable to areas of responsibility.

Evaluates potential opportunities with scientific rigor and diligence to ensure applicability to Company’s products and/or processes.

Frames potential opportunities and engages with cross-functional teams for alignment.

Establishes layers of protectable advantage (IP) for both internally developed and externally sourced novel technology solutions.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum level of education required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related science discipline,

Minimum number of years of experience required in addition to education plus type(s) of functional experience:

8 years of process engineering experience in a food/beverage environment.

Other required types of functional experience:

Experience with New Product Development and Commercial Food Processing.

Microsoft Office Suite experience.

Ability to operate typical laboratory food processing equipment and instruments used in product development, with high level of quality, accuracy and quantity of analysis work.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

Experience with oil extraction, flour milling, and extrusion preferred.

Quality assurance and regulatory affairs experience.

Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage several projects and programs simultaneously.

Strong communication skills required (written, verbal, computer and presentation skills).

Ability to communicate plans, results and recommendations to technical counterparts, as well as cross-functional teams and senior management when required.

Strong technical skills in ingredients and ingredient technologies.

Display a strong understanding of product development and commercialization process.

Ability to leverage external relationships and resources to accomplish goals.

Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of external activity (new technologies, best practices, regulations, etc.) that can effectively frame up implications and build business case for/against technology’s application.

Is willing to challenge the status quo appropriately; offers robust alternative approaches; leads the effort for improvement and fosters an environment of forward thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

Formulates and executes complex experimental designs.

Knowledge of Genesis, SAP PLM, and SharePoint software.

All applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without requiring sponsorship.

For additional information, please contact Susan Canarick, (954) 428-3888 or susanc@foodscience.com.