Sr. Process Engineer

Company Description

Oterra is the global leader in naturally sourced colors for food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. Guided by our belief that nature got it right the first time, we create innovative, sustainable color solutions that help customers bring naturally colored products to consumers worldwide.

Our people are at the center of everything we do. We foster a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work every day. With a growing U.S. facility in Mount Pleasant, Oterra offers exciting opportunities to join a global organization committed to our customers, innovation, and sustainability.

Job Description

Job Description:

As a Senior Process Engineer at Oterra, you will serve as the primary technical catalyst for our North American manufacturing operations. With 10+ years of expertise, you will bridge the gap between R&D innovation and high-volume production, driving the scalability and quality of our liquid and powder color portfolios. You will partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex formulation challenges and implement high-impact efficiency improvements.

Key responsibilities

Process Innovation & Scale-Up

• Direct the design, optimization, and scale-up of diverse color systems, including emulsions, powders, and encapsulated formulations.

• Collaborate with R&D to lead seamless technology transfers from pilot stage to full commercial production, ensuring both feasibility and cost-efficiency.

• Participate in capital projects, managing equipment selection, commissioning, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).

Manufacturing Excellence & Troubleshooting

• Serve as the lead technical expert in resolving complex manufacturing issues such as batch variability, pigment stability, filtration bottlenecks, and thermal treatment failures.

• Drive initiatives to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by reducing changeover times and optimizing batch cycle sequences.

• Define and implement robust process control strategies, SOPs, and technical best practices to ensure gold-standard product quality.

Continuous Improvement & Data Strategy

• Execute Lean and Six Sigma projects to maximize yield, minimize waste, and reduce energy consumption across production lines.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Essential Experience

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience: 10+ years in specialty chemicals, food ingredients, or color manufacturing.

• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of unit operations, specifically mixing, milling, spray drying, heat transfer, filtration, and homogenization.

• Process Improvement: Proven track record in troubleshooting complex processes using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.

Preferred Skills

• Expertise in botanical extractions, natural/synthetic pigments, or encapsulation stability.

• Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DOE) using Minitab, JMP, or Stat-Ease to solve variability issues.

• Familiarity with B2B regulatory compliance and food safety standards.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the "big picture" of a production lifecycle.

• Mentorship: A passion for sharing knowledge and elevating the technical skills of the wider team.

• Agility: A result-oriented "can-do" attitude that thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance available upon hire
• Generous paid time off plus 11 company-paid holidays
• Retirement contributions to help support your future
• Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
• A collaborative culture that encourages career growth, professional development, and internal opportunities
• The chance to be part of a supportive team where your contributions make an impact