Process Engineer

Job Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and scaling up manufacturing processes in dairy and plant-based beverage and yogurt production lines. The role works with Operations, QFS, R&I, and Engineering to deliver safe, cost‑effective, consumer‑preferred, and scalable processes.

• Monitor and optimize unit operations such as batching, pasteurization/UHT processing, homogenization, fermentation, filling, equipment controls, and automation.
• Co‑lead new process development and validation with R&I and Ops Engineering.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvements.
• Support line trials, scale‑ups, and product commercialization.
• Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and root cause analysis of production issues.
• Drive OEE improvement projects and maintain industrial trial reports and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and food safety plans; partner with QFS to resolve deviations.
• Troubleshoot processing equipment during design, scale‑up, and startup.
• Support design, commissioning, and startup of new equipment at pilot and industrial sites.
• Manage capital projects at pilot plant and coordinate vendors/contractors.
• Collaborate with R&I, pilot operations and occasionally train operators and supervisors.

Hybrid manufacturing/office environment with significant time on the production floor. Requires being on feet, exposure to moderate noise, wet and warm conditions, and approximately 40-50% travel.

Salary range: $82,000–118,000 USD. Includes performance‑based bonus and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401(k), wellness program, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible time off, and paid parental bonding leave.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Chemical/Process Engineering, Food Engineering or related field.
• 1–5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, ideally in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturing.

Preferred

• Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT).
• Experience with aseptic/ESL processing or packaging.
• Experience in dairy processing, plant‑based beverages, fermentation systems, and membrane filtration expertise a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of fluid flow, heat transfer, shear rates, mass balance, CIP/sanitation systems, PLC/SCADA, CAD, MES or manufacturing data systems.
• Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, Power BI, historian trending).
• Statistical Process Control and understanding of ingredient variability.
• Experience with viscosity differences, ingredient functionality, shelf‑life considerations, and fermentation cycles.

Danone North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.