Process Engineer

Process EngineerThe 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 ResponsibilitiesProcess Optimization & Industrial Scale-upMonitor and optimize unit operations such as: batching, pasteurization / UHT processing, homogenization, fermentation (yogurt, cultured products), filling, equipment controls and automationCo-lead new process development & validation together with R&I PD leads & Ops EngineeringIdentify process bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvementsSupport line trials, scale-ups, and product commercialization activitiesContinuous ImprovementLead or support Lean / Six Sigma initiatives (waste, yield, downtime, process capability)Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on production issuesDrive OEE improvement projectsDevelop and maintain industrial trial reports, SOPs, etc.Quality & Food SafetyEnsure compliance with: GMPs, HACCP, and food safety plans, pasteurization and thermal validation requirementsPartner with QFS to resolve deviations and maintain regulatory compliance and deliver against consumer key criteria elementsEquipment & Capital ProjectsTroubleshoot processing equipment (tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, fillers) during new process design and scale-upSupport design, commissioning, and startup of new equipment at both Pilot and Industrial sitesWork with vendors and contractors during capital projects for both Pilot plant and Industrial scaleProject Management of capital projects being implemented in Pilot PlantCross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with: R&I on new product scale-up and experimental design, Pilot Operations on scale-upOccasionally provide technical training to operators and supervisors, Process Equipment SMEPhysical Demands & Work EnvironmentThis role is primarily performed in a hybrid Manufacturing/ Office environment. This role will spend significant time in pilot and industrial environments. The employee may experience longer periods of time spent on their feet. The employee may be exposed to moderate levels of noise from plant equipment. The environment can be wet and with elevated temperatures at times. The employee will be asked to travel to support the scale up and commercialization of products from Pilot to Industrial scale. (approx. 40-50% travel)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 has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we're looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:Education & Experience:Must Have:Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical/Process engineering, Food Engineering or related field1-5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experienceExperience in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturingPreferred:Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT)Exposure to aseptic/ ESL processing and/ or packagingExperience with:Dairy processing (milk, cream, yogurt)Plant Based Beverages (almond, oat, coconut, soy)Fermentation systemsMembrane filtration expertise a plusKnowledge, 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 systemsData 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 (e.g stabilizers, emulsifiers) and shelf-life considerations, fermentation cycles