Senior Process Engineer-Food & Beverage

About the role

You will architect and deliver turnkey process design packages for food and beverage clients, translating raw ingredient flows into safe, sanitary, and efficient manufacturing systems. You will own the development of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications that define how each unit operation interacts within the broader production line. You will lead hazard analyses and ensure that every design decision supports food safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal sanitation outcomes. You will act as the technical bridge between client objectives and engineering execution, guiding cross-functional teams through complex process challenges. You will mentor junior engineers by providing detailed technical reviews, fostering a learning environment that strengthens the entire project delivery capability. You will apply creative problem-solving to balance product quality, operational efficiency, and capital cost in a manner that meets stringent food industry standards. You will utilize advanced modeling and calculation tools to size equipment and validate that the designed processes meet both throughput and quality targets. You will contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering methodologies, documenting lessons learned and best practices that enhance future project execution.

Key facts

What you'll do

Perform detailed process calculations for unit operations including mixing, heating, cooling, separation, and concentration to define equipment sizing and performance criteria.

Develop comprehensive process flow diagrams that illustrate material and energy pathways, ensuring clarity for cross-functional stakeholders and regulatory reviewers.

Design and select food processing equipment such as heat exchangers, pumps, tanks, and conveyors, verifying that each component meets sanitary standards and operational requirements.

Conduct hazard analysis and critical control point studies in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to identify and mitigate potential food safety risks.

Optimize production workflows to minimize waste, reduce changeover times, and improve overall equipment effectiveness without compromising product integrity.

Coordinate with automation and controls engineers to ensure that process designs integrate seamlessly with instrumentation, monitoring, and data acquisition systems.

Validate that proposed layouts support clean-in-place operations, maintenance access, and compliance with sanitary design codes and industry guidelines.

Evaluate alternative process technologies and innovations, assessing cost, reliability, and scalability to support informed investment decisions.

Prepare detailed equipment specifications and installation criteria that guide procurement, fabrication, and mechanical completion activities.

Lead root cause investigations for process deviations, applying engineering principles to diagnose issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Support the development of capital project schedules, risk registers, and cost estimates to align technical scope with client business objectives.

Perform energy and utility assessments to identify opportunities for efficiency gains and sustainability improvements in food production systems.

Document all design assumptions, calculations, and decisions to create a clear technical record that supports future operations and project audits.

Collaborate with site teams during commissioning to verify that installed equipment operates according to design intent and performance criteria.

Requirements

Demonstrate a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical, Biological, or Food Engineering from an accredited institution, with a strong foundation in process engineering principles.

Possess a minimum of eight years of progressive experience in food and beverage process engineering, with demonstrated success in designing or optimizing production systems.

Showcase a thorough understanding of food safety regulations, including but not limited to Current Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, and sanitary design standards.

Apply proven knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer to solve complex food processing challenges.

Exhibit strong analytical skills, utilizing calculations, modeling, and data interpretation to evaluate process performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Maintain meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that engineering documents, calculations, and specifications are accurate, complete, and consistent with industry standards.

Display effective communication abilities, translating technical engineering concepts into clear language for cross-functional teams, clients, and non-technical stakeholders.

Commit to upholding the highest ethical standards, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and partners.

Nice to have

Experience with high-hazard and allergen-containing food products is preferred.

Familiarity with leadership or mentoring responsibilities within a technical or project engineering environment is advantageous.

Practical notes

This role follows a hybrid schedule requiring in-office presence a minimum of three days per week.

Travel is not required for this position.

This position is eligible for employment authorization in the United States only.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.