Senior Process Engineer

Plant Optimization Engineer (Syracuse, NY)

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production

Industries:
Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Dairy Product Manufacturing

Responsible for enhancing production performance by developing and improving methods that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high standards of quality and safety. This role leads capital improvement and process optimization projects, provides technical expertise on equipment installation and process design, and collaborates cross‑functionally to support plant performance and strategic growth.

• Lead the conceptual design phase for process and facility projects, coordinating cross‑functional input.
• Develop actionable project plans including resource needs, labor forecasts, material lists, and time estimates.
• Create and review scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and floor plans for process improvements and capital projects.
• Oversee project execution to ensure alignment with budget, schedule, and performance targets.
• Work closely with the design team to revise plans and resolve technical issues as needed.

• Identify process inefficiencies and implement engineering solutions that enhance productivity and reduce downtime.
• Engineer and specify equipment and system upgrades to meet production, cost, and quality objectives.
• Support and lead plant trials to validate engineering solutions and process enhancements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Evaluate external vendors and contractors for capability, compliance, and financial stability.
• Review, assess, and negotiate bid documents to ensure alignment with project and quality expectations.

• Prepare and present progress reports, performance metrics, and cost tracking updates for leadership review.
• Maintain accurate and current engineering documentation, including process descriptions, SOPs, P&IDs, and equipment manuals.
• Ensure proper documentation is in place to support engineering changes and ongoing operations.

• Interpret and apply regulatory and safety standards relevant to food processing, manufacturing, or pharmaceutical environments.
• Ensure that all process and equipment designs align with corporate and industry safety protocols and GMP standards.

• Train and mentor process engineers and other engineering personnel to build team capability and technical strength.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering discipline
• 8+ years of engineering experience in Food & Beverage manufacturing
• Demonstrated project management experience in a plant or manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in technical writing, mathematical analysis, and engineering documentation
• Ability to interpret complex technical data, diagrams, and regulatory information
• Willingness to embrace modern technologies and continuous improvement methodologies