Process Authority

Summary

The Process Authority is responsible for establishing, validating, and documenting scientifically sound thermal and aseptic processes to ensure the microbiological safety and regulatory compliance of Chobani and La Colombe shelf-stable and extended shelf-life products. The role serves as the technical authority for thermal processing, aseptic systems, and container integrity programs for canned and aseptically packaged products.
The Process Authority works closely with R&D in the development and optimization of thermal and aseptic process parameters for superior product quality, providing rapid technical evaluations and expedited turnaround of scheduled process recommendations to enable timely product trials, pilot runs, and commercialization decisions.
The Process Authority develops scheduled processes, conducts validation studies, execute the regulatory filings with the FDA, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations including 21 CFR Part 113 (Low-Acid Canned Foods) and 21 CFR Part 108 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on new and establishing aseptic and low acid canned, retort processes in support of innovation, renovation, and technical assistance.
• Develop and/or evaluate thescheduled process, determining critical factors(time, temperature, pressure, pH, formulation, fill weight, container type, etc.) to establish theminimum processrequired to achieve commercial sterility with optimized product quality.
• For retorted products, evaluate the formulation of products and design heat penetration studies to identify cold spot and develop the scheduled process.
• Prepare the information required forfiling the schedule process with FDA for both retorted and aseptic processes and submit with FDA ensuring compliance with 21 CFR 113(Low-Acid Canned Foods - retorted), 21 CFR 114(Acidified foods, if applicable), 21 CFR 108(Emergency permit control) and 21 CFR 113 Subpart B(Aseptic systems).
• Coordinate the validation of aseptic systems (UHT, A-Tanks, fillers) and the temperature distribution studies in retorts, and coordinate or conduct aseptic microbiological challenge studies, if needed.
• Evaluate all process deviations for retorted and aseptic products to assess the impact of deviations on commercial sterility and regulatory compliance, determine and document product disposition (release, rework, or destruction), and defines required corrective actions and revalidation activities as needed.
• Ensures deviation handling complies with applicable FDA regulations (21 CFR 108, 113, and 114) and supports regulatory inspections and audits through thorough documentation and technical justification.
• Conduct risk assessments that integrate ingredients, process and packaging, as well as microbiological and controls validation and critical control operational requirements.
• The PA will coordinate employee training with outside providers on Better Process Control School as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree inFood Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related scientific/engineering discipline.
• 5-10 yearsof progressive experience in food manufacturing with direct responsibility foraseptic and/or retorted (LACF) processing
• Demonstrated experience serving as, or working under, aqualified Process Authority with proven expertise in establishing and validatingthermal and aseptic processes, conducting or interpretingheat penetration and lethality studies, managingFDA process filings, evaluating and approvingprocess deviationsand product dispositions.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic processing systems, retort operations and CIP/SIP systems and sterile boundary controls, with focus on improving formulation for superior taste and sensory experience.
• Strong working knowledge ofFDA regulations(21 CFR 108, 113, 114)
• Experience supportingnew product development, scale-up, and commercialization
• History of participation inregulatory inspections, audits, and recall prevention activities
• Effective analytical, negotiation, problem solving, excellent communication skills, attention to details and ability to work independently
• Ability to travel up to 30% domestically.

Work Environment and/or Physical Requirements:

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances, nationally and internationally.

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 byHamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers - Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafes nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. In 2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious, delicious and convenient ready-to-make meals.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world - putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond. Chobani manufactures its products inNew York,Idaho,MichiganandAustralia, and its products are available throughoutNorth Americaand distributed inAustraliaand other select markets.

For more information, please visit or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.

The salary range for this full-time position is $140,000.00 - $220,000.00, + bonus + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Chobani provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. To help save for the future, all employees are eligible for a 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay. To support growing families, we provide fertility and childcare assistance, and 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment. In addition, we provide wellness resources which include an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations) and a monthly wellness newsletter to connect you with resources and timely information. We offer various types of paid time of including: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 holidays, and paid volunteer time off.