Process Engineer - UHT Operations

The Process Engineer is a key technical resource for Darigold’s retail facing operations - UHT, Aseptic, ESL, Culture and Fresh milk, responsible for improving process performance, reliability, efficiency and innovation in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. This role operates as a shared site resource, partnering with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and R&D to stabilize processes, lead trials and change, and convert data into sustainable improvements that protect food safety, quality, and cost.

The ideal candidate brings strong floor presence, analytical rigor, and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to translate complex process behavior into practical solutions.

Subject matter expert on UHT, Aseptic, ESL, Culture and HTST processing functions across product portfolios and cleaning matrices.

• Provide support to Product Development on processing functions in conjunction with formulation to achieve intended finished product characteristics.
• Plan and execute process trials, line trials, and validations in partnership with PD, QA, OT and Operations.
• Provide technical leadership for process changes, ensuring risks are assessed, mitigated, and embedded.
• Support startup, scale-up, and post‑trial stabilization to sustain improvements.

• Drive improvements in yield, throughput, loss reduction, and process stability across B2C operations.
• Analyze process data, trends, and KPIs to identify constraints and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Lead structured problem solving for chronic and complex process issues impacting safety, quality, or performance.
• Establish, monitor, and improve critical operating parameters and control strategies.

• Ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP, and aseptic requirements.
• Partner with Quality on investigations, product holds, and corrective actions.
• Support audits through strong technical process knowledge and documentation.

• Provide technical support to Processing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Translate operational challenges into measurable continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Apply SPC, trend analysis, Pareto, and RCA tools to eliminate variation.
• Provide training to operators on process control and process function.
• Provide technical support to Processing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Translate operational challenges into measurable continuous‑improvement initiatives.

• Serve as a flexible technical resource across the Darigold B2C network.

• Support capital projects, equipment modifications, commissioning, and operational acceptance.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering required, Mechanical, Industrial, or related disciplines considered.
• 5-7 years of experience in a manufacturing or process-driven environment.
• Proven experience improving process performance using data‑driven methods.
• Experience supporting or leading process trials and technical change.

• Experience in UHT, Aseptic, Culture, ESL, dairy, beverage, or regulated food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of CIP systems, thermal processing, and hygienic design.
• Lean / Six Sigma or demonstrated CI leadership experience.

• Hands‑on, floor-focused problem solving
• Data‑driven decision making
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration
• Strong technical capability in process control systems
• Ownership mindset for safety, quality, and results

Working Environment Manufacturing plant environment with frequent floor presence. Off‑shift or weekend support may be required during trials, startups, or critical issues. Up to 20% travel to support Darigold production network.