Process Engineer

Process Engineer Location: US-CO-Louisville Job Summary The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and scaling up manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across dairy and plant-based beverage and yogurt production lines. This role partners with Operations, QFS, R&I, and Engineering to deliver safe, cost-effective, consumer preferred and scalable processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment. Key Responsibilities Process Optimization & Industrial Scale-up Monitor and optimize unit operations such as batch, pasteurization/UHT processing, homogenization, fermentation (yogurt, cultured products), filling, equipment controls and automation Co‑lead new process development & validation together with R&I PD leads & Ops Engineering Identify process bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvements Support line trials, scale‑ups, and product commercialization activities Continuous Improvement Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives (waste, yield, downtime, process capability) Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on production issues Drive OEE improvement projects Develop and maintain industrial trial reports, SOPs, etc. Quality & Food Safety Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and food safety plans, pasteurization and thermal validation requirements Partner with QFS to resolve deviations and maintain regulatory compliance and deliver consumer key criteria elements Equipment & Capital Projects Troubleshoot processing equipment (tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, fillers) during new process design and scale‑up Support design, commissioning, and startup of new equipment at both Pilot and Industrial sites Work with vendors and contractors during capital projects for both Pilot plant and Industrial scale Project Management of capital projects being implemented in Pilot Plant Cross‑Functional Collaboration Collaborate with R&I on new product scale‑up and experimental design Collaborate with Pilot Operations on scale‑up Occasionally provide technical training to operators and supervisors Process Equipment SME Physical Demands & Work Environment Hybrid manufacturing/office environment; significant time in pilot and industrial settings Long periods on feet; exposure to moderate noise, wet conditions, and elevated temperatures Approx. 40‑50% travel for scale‑up and commercialization Compensation & Benefits The salary range for this position is $82,000‑118,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and a strong benefits package. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401(k) Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, Paid Parental Bonding Leave, and other benefit options. The role is a hybrid position allowing for flexible work, with expectations to report to the assigned office at least three days per week. Qualifications The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. Education & Experience Must have: Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical/Process Engineering, Food Engineering or related field 1‑5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience Experience in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturing Preferred: Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT) Exposure to aseptic/ESL processing and/or packaging Experience with: Dairy processing (milk, cream, yogurt) Plant‑based beverages (almond, oat, coconut, soy) Fermentation systems Membrane filtration expertise a plus Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong understanding of: Fluid flow, heat transfer, shear rates and mass balance CIP and Sanitation systems

PLC/SCADA

CAD MES or manufacturing data systems Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, Power BI, Historian trending) Statistical Process Control (SPC) Understanding of ingredient variability (e.g., plant vs dairy proteins) Experience dealing with: Viscosity differences in different product matrices Ingredient functionality and shelf‑life considerations Fermentation cycles Equal Opportunity Employer Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here. #J-18808-Ljbffr Danone North America