Process Engineer

Description

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Process Engineer is primarily responsible for understanding and optimizing the organization’s processing systems. Additional responsibilities will include developing, directing, and providing recommendations to acquire innovative technology and deliver competitive advantage through new processes or products, quality/shelf life and yield improvements to impact overall cost reductions. 

Requirements

Job Responsibilities:

• Maintains knowledge of the organization’s current product lines and develops activities that assist in contributing to new processes and product development from concept to commercialization. 
• Performs data collection and trend analysis of Loss of Sterility (LOS) and Spoilage Reduction incidents. 
• Participates in the review of test results and recommends procedure and process improvements in collaboration with appropriate quality, production, and engineering team members to increase process efficiency and product output.
• Investigates and recommends the procurement of equipment in addition to actively participating in equipment development for new product initiatives.
• Manages Capital Projects from concept to commissioning including FDA Validation of equipment and packaging materials.
• Participates in Loss of Sterility (LOS) Root Cause Analysis (RCA) including data and trend analysis, assisting internal Process Authority during LOS investigations. 
• Supports the IQ, OQ, PQ, and FDA Validation process for new equipment and packaging materials, including data collection for FDA filing.
• Develops strong vendor relationships to recommend and engage in cost savings initiatives and communicate results to key stakeholders.
• Supports installation and commissioning of new production units, monitors modifications and upgrades, and troubleshoots existing processes to meet production needs.
• Applies advanced statistical tools and flow diagrams for staff education to identify key areas of improvement and ensure the organization is producing at optimum levels of performance. 
• Functions as a change agent to help guide and cultivate a continuous improvement culture in both the department and throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with corporate and plant safety standards and with applicable regulatory requirements while following the company’s Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Leads projects comprised of cross-functional resources ensuring internal and external customer needs are met.
• 10% travel as required to equipment FATs, training, other facilities, and trade shows. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum   Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or progressive experience
• Prior knowledge and experience with food, aseptic/TetraPak beverage, or pharmaceutical/Vacuum Thermal Instant Sterilization processing
• Previous experience and knowledge with Ignition, Historian Database, and Allen Bradley/Rockwell PLC Programming basics.
• Strong project planning and management skills
• Self-motivated, detail-orientated, organized, and exhibits excellent analytical abilities
• Knowledge and experience with thermal processing
• Demonstrated ability to multitask under stressful circumstances and limited supervision
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations by promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that is respectful and accepting of diversity.
• Ability and means to travel if needed; must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of valid insurance including liability and property damage coverage

Preferred   Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering
• 3 years of food industry engineering experience ideally in an aseptic   environment
• Proficient with AutoCAD software for design layout and communication
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Tools
• Engineering license in the State of California
• Certification in Project Management

Physical Activity:

• Regularly reach overhead, climb, squat, bend, and kneel.
• Frequently sit, stand, and walk/move about.
• Occasionally push/pull/lift/carry 25 lbs.

Additional Compensation – Annual Cash Bonus: You will be eligible to participate in the Gehl Foods Employee Bonus Program. For this fiscal year, your annual maximum bonus potential is up to 12% of your annualized base salary. All bonus payments are prorated based on your hire date. Under this Program, bonus payouts are dependent upon the financial performance of the company.

Working Conditions: Frequently exposed to wet and varying temperature conditions between 60-130 degrees Fahrenheit, loud noise, vibration, moving machinery/electrical parts, risk of electrical shock, airborne particles, high/precarious places, toxic/caustic chemicals, allergens including soy, milk and milk by-products and fumes from food processing equipment.

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the most significant duties of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, effort, requirements or expectations of this position. Other duties may be assigned as necessary. The company reserves the right to modify the job requirements as circumstances change and the needs of the company so dictate, without editing this job description in its entirety. 

Acknowledgments: I am fully capable of completing the essential functions of the job duties listed herein) I certify that I understand that this job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and that I am expected, hereby agree, to perform other job-related tasks properly assigned to me by my supervisor. I understand and agree that the Company has the legal right to revise or change this document in part, or in total as business needs dictate. I understand and fully agree, that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment, and that my employment relationship with the Company is “at will,” for an unspecified duration, and may be terminated at any time by me or the Company as specified by Section 2922 of the California Labor Code.  

Salary : $110,000 - $135,000