Principal Process Engineer, Low Acid Aseptic Beverage Manufacturing

This is an exciting technical engineering leadership opportunity within the US's largest low acid aseptic beverage co-manufacturing operation. You will lead engineering functions, technical excellence, and capital projects within a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation serving leading global food & beverage companies, producing products including almond milk, smoothies, RTD protein shakes, and coffee creamers. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex, strategic cross-functional engineering projects for new product launches, process scale-up, and packaging systems optimization within a low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing operation.
• Applying process engineering expertise in low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing, including thermal processing, CIP, ESL, and filling technologies for Tetra Pak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch lines.
• Overseeing $3–$10M capital projects including new construction, equipment upgrades, equipment installations, and full manufacturing line installations for beverage manufacturing processes, thermal processing, CIP, ESL, Tetra Pak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch filling lines.
• Managing capital project planning and execution, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of high-impact initiatives supporting business growth.
• Leading and designing project budgets, schedules, construction, commissioning, and project takeover activities.
• Overseeing capital projects for packaging systems including robotics and automation systems for palletizers.
• Leading and managing engineers, contractors, and external vendors.
• Partnering with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to implement best-in-class engineering solutions aligned with cGMP, HACCP, FDA, and OSHA standards.
• Providing cGMP documentation, writing SOPs, and developing PFDs and P&IDs, equipment and piping layouts, and process and equipment specifications for bids.
• Managing budgets, forecasts, and long-term engineering master plans while ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Developing, mentoring, and coaching engineering talent to build a world-class technical organization.

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering field. MBA a plus.
• 7+ years of engineering experience within an FDA-regulated facility such as food and beverage, dairy, nutritional products, infant formula, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Process engineering experience in low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing, including products such as smoothies, protein drinks, and almond milk, is strongly preferred.
• Capital project engineering experience leading $3–$10M projects, with demonstrated success in facility, utility, processing, filling, and packaging line installations including Tetra Pak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch lines.
• Demonstrated expertise in aseptic processing, thermal processing, and packaging technologies including Tetra Pak, Combi, and ESL systems.
• Food safety experience working within FDA, GMP, and HACCP compliance frameworks.

*** Please note, this is a key manufacturing leadership position based at a major manufacturing plant and R&D site. Living and working in the Buffalo/Niagara region is an absolute requirement for this position. ***

This position is within a Buffalo Area natural products and nutritional foods spinoff company backed by a major CPG, Dairy and Nutritional Products Manufacturer. It is an incredible opportunity to get on board within an ultra-innovative, fast paced and friendly entrepreneurial environment with an exciting portfolio of new product launches.