Process Engineer II; Capital Projects

Process Engineer II (Capital Projects)

Within our Corporate Project Engineering team located in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Process Engineer II to own large, high‑complexity capital projects and lead process design decisions across our cheese and nutrition manufacturing network. This role carries full accountability for scope, technical direction, and execution from early design through commissioning, working directly with plant teams, equipment partners, and general contractors to bring major systems online.

Compensation: starting salary typically ranges between $104,000 and $119,000. Annual target bonus of 10%.

• Own and deliver large, cross‑functional capital projects, typically ranging from $15M up to $50M, from early design through start‑up.
• Lead process design for both cheese and nutrition manufacturing systems, ensuring designs are scalable, operable, and grounded in plant reality.
• Partner with equipment manufacturers and engineering firms to co‑design and co‑develop systems, including proprietary solutions where required.
• Serve as the technical authority on assigned projects, balancing cost, schedule, operability, safety, and long‑term performance.
• Translate business needs into process concepts, layouts, mass balances, P&IDs, and commissioning strategies.
• Support installation, commissioning, and start‑up activities with intentional, planned site presence.
• Collaborate closely with Operations Support, Quality, Maintenance, and Plant Engineering to ensure designs integrate cleanly into existing operations.
• Contribute to the development and evolution of Leprino’s process and construction standards.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or closely related discipline).
• 6+ years of experience in food or dairy manufacturing, process engineering, and capital project execution.
• Demonstrated ownership of large, complex capital projects, including responsibility for scope, budget, schedule, and technical outcomes.
• Strong process engineering fundamentals, including mass balance development, thermal and fluid systems, CIP design, and hygienic system layout.
• Experience developing and reviewing P&IDs, equipment specifications, layouts, and commissioning plans.
• The ability to work confidently with equipment suppliers and contractors as a technical peer.
• Willingness to travel up to 70% in support of project execution, with travel planned in advance and typically occurring in short, mid‑week blocks.

• Experience across both cheese and nutrition processes, or the technical range to operate effectively in both.
• Background working with OEMs such as GEA, Tetra Pak, Alfa Laval, SPX, or similar food processing partners.
• Familiarity with dairy and food manufacturing standards, including USDA Dairy and 3‑A Sanitary Design.
• Experience supporting commissioning and start‑up of new or expanded processing lines.
• Comfort operating in environments where design decisions carry material operational and financial impact.

Leprino is an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture.

In return, you’ll receive a competitive salary, target bonus, health benefits, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, LFC Profit‑Sharing & 401(k) plan, and the opportunity to make an impact.

Leprino uses Psyche medics for a 90‑day hair follicle drug test as a pre‑employment screening tool and also participates in E‑Verify.