Senior Process Engineer

Senior Process Engineer – Dairy / Food Manufacturing Location: Monett, MO Relocation Assistance Available We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to play a critical role in optimizing and advancing manufacturing processes within a high-volume, regulated food production environment. This individual will serve as a technical leader, driving process efficiency, improving product quality, and ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations. This is a hands-on role requiring strong plant-floor engagement, deep expertise in fluid processing systems, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to deliver measurable results. Key Responsibilities Serve as a subject matter expert in fluid-based processing systems, supporting daily manufacturing operations and troubleshooting complex process issues Evaluate and optimize existing processes to improve throughput, yield, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness Lead initiatives to reduce waste, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance process capability and consistency Design and implement process improvements while maintaining strict adherence to food safety and quality standards Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain to drive continuous improvement efforts Support and lead capital projects, including equipment upgrades, new installations, and commissioning activities Conduct process capability and statistical analysis to monitor performance and predict trends Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, SOPs, and control strategies Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including HACCP, GMP, and internal standards Perform and support risk assessments and process safety initiatives (e.g., FMEA, HAZOP) Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field 8+ years of experience in food, beverage, or other regulated manufacturing environments Strong expertise in liquid/food processing systems, including heat treatment, filtration, blending, and CIP processes Proven experience in process optimization, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis Hands-on experience with process design tools, including P&IDs and control systems (e.g., PID loops) Demonstrated success supporting or leading capital projects from concept through implementation In-depth knowledge of food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, QMS) Experience with process safety methodologies (FMEA, HAZOP, OSHA standards) Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data to drive decisions and improvements What Sets You Apart Direct experience in dairy or aseptic processing environments Professional Engineer (PE) license Strong ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive change in a plant setting A hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence Position Overview This role is ideal for a plant-focused engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about improving processes, enhancing product quality, and driving operational performance through technical excellence and collaboration. #J-18808-Ljbffr