Process Engineer; Boardman

Process Engineer (Boardman, OR)

Location:

Boardman, OR (on-site at the Boardman, Oregon facility).

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a farmer‑owned cooperative since 1909 and one of the fastest‑growing dairy brands in the U.S. We produce over 200 dairy products in 7 categories.

We’re looking for a Process Engineer with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset to own the interface between fluid processing equipment, product, and utility systems and lead solutions that improve quality, reduce cost, and support customer demands.

The Process Engineer works closely with the Whey Production Manager and Process Technologist to support the New Product Development group and works with the plant maintenance and engineering team to enhance profitability and growth by reducing operating costs and downtime.

• Own the engineering of the cheese and powder production processes from milk receiving to cheese block formers, through WPC‑80 and lactose manufacturing finished packaging.
• Collaborate with the Sales & Marketing teams to lead feasibility studies for new products.
• Evaluate, research and develop new/alternate materials, process methods, equipment and technologies.
• Provide technical support when growth, modernization and expansion occurs in cheese and whey production and processing capacity to meet market demands with state‑of‑the‑art systems.
• Develop and implement processes, procedures, and methodology to improve efficiencies and quality of dairy products produced.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, Quality and Finance to define expected operational success criteria and operational costs for proposed projects.
• Specify pumps, valves, and instrumentation in collaboration with the engineering automation team.
• Preparation of the RFP including clear statement of work, project success criteria, process flow diagram, equipment specifications, FAT expectations, and T&C adequate to support accurate vendor proposals.
• Verify performance of new equipment and process installations.
• Lead resolution of vendor technical performance issues with new equipment or processes.
• Provide design and operational oversight for utility systems and critical production and utility equipment.
• Provide technical support for maintenance when requested.
• Develop and track performance and maintenance of large rotating equipment such as centrifuges, fans, and compressors.
• Initiate, plan and lead capital and non‑capital maintenance and equipment projects to ensure timely and cost‑effective achievement of project objectives.
• Manage small to mid‑sized capital improvement projects.
• Large project team member / SME (subject matter expert)
• Project regulatory compliance (ODA, USDA, FDA, SQF, PSM/RMP)
• Mandate adherence to all safety guidelines and work to provide a safe work environment for all employees.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors and the general public.
• Communicate difficult concepts and negotiate with others to achieve the optimal solution.
• Act as a team player and be able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.
• Work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrate excellent time‑management skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Demonstrate knowledge of P&t and engineering specifications development. Experience with piping layouts, tank/storage handling, and fluid diversion, mixing of fluid media specific to cheese/dairy or CIP processes, as well as pumps and valves.
• Solves moderately complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
• Demonstrates design capabilities in specification, verification, and calculation of fluid and thermal based processes.
• Utilize a computer with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.

• Professional Engineer license preferred.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, chemical, mechanical, or technical discipline or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5+ years food or beverage manufacturing…