Process Technologist

Maeil Australia Pty Ltd; Geelong; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Cross-functional exposure

Diverse dairy role

NPD trial opportunities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Maeil Australia Pty Ltd is seeking a skilled Process Engineer to support dairy and powder production. You will analyze process data, lead investigations, and drive improvements across quality, yield, and energy use in a hands-on plant role.

You will collaborate with Operations, Quality and Engineering, develop SOPs, and contribute to trials and new product scale-ups in a busy dairy powder facility.

Qualifications

• You will bring technical knowledge, manufacturing awareness and practical problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable spending time in the plant, working with operators and using evidence to support your recommendations.
• A degree or relevant qualification in chemical engineering, process engineering, food technology, dairy technology or a related discipline.
• Ideally three to five years of hands on experience in food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical or another hygienic process manufacturing environment.
• Experience interpreting process trends, batch records and production data.
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis and continuous improvement methods.
• Ability to prepare clear standard operating procedures, technical reports and work instructions with strong planning, prioritisation and follow-through.
• A collaborative communicator with strong influencing skill and sound judgement when managing production, quality and food safety risks.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for dairy and formulated powder production, including support trials and process validation.
• Monitor process performance and lead root cause investigations into deviations.
• Assist with process optimisation covering quality, yield, throughput and energy use.
• Develop trial protocols, sampling plans and technical reports.
• Partner with Operations to standardise methods across shifts.
• Prepare and improve SOPs, work instructions and training materials.
• Input into engineering modifications and capital projects.
• Coordinate technical activities with external stakeholders and maintain records.
• Escalate food safety and equipment risks through the management pathway.
• Deliver production trials and support new product scale-up.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Manufacturing awareness

Problem solving

Root cause analysis

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SCADA

FactoryTalk Batch

AutoCAD

HACCP

Job description

Key responsibilities

Provide technical support for dairy and formulated powder production including Support trials, process validation and the commercial scale-up of new products.

Monitor process performance and identify emerging production risks and lead structured root cause investigations into deviations and recurring issues.

Assist with process optimisation covering product quality, yield, throughput, energy use, cleaning performance and equipment reliability through analysis of SCADA trends, batch records, laboratory results and operating data.

Develop trial protocols, processing instructions, sampling plans and technical reports.

Partner with Operations to establish consistent operating methods across shifts with support for operator skill matrix and competency development program.

Prepare and improve SOP, work instructions and technical training materials.

Provide technical input into engineering modifications and capital projects.

Coordinate technical activities with external stakeholders. Maintain accurate and accessible technical records, calculations and investigation evidence.

Escalate food safety, quality, equipment and operational risks through the agreed management pathway.

About you

You will bring technical knowledge, manufacturing awareness and practical problem-solving ability. You should be comfortable spending time in the plant, working with operators and using evidence to support your recommendations.

A degree or relevant qualification in chemical engineering, process engineering, food technology, dairy technology or a related discipline.

Ideally three to five years of hands on experience in food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical or another hygienic process manufacturing environment.

Experience interpreting process trends, batch records and production data.

Working knowledge of root cause analysis and continuous improvement methods.

Ability to prepare clear standard operating procedures, technical reports and work instructions with strong planning, prioritisation and follow-through.

A collaborative communicator with strong influencing skill and sound judgement when managing production, quality and food safety risks.

Experience Valued

Experience with spray drying evaporation, liquid processing, powder manufacturing, SCADA, FactoryTalk Batch, AutoCAD, process control systems, HACCP or food safety management systems would be highly regarded. Training can be provided where appropriate.

What success looks like

Develop a strong working understanding of the plant and its critical processes.

Become a trusted technical partner to Operations, Quality and Engineering.

Take ownership of defined process investigations and improvement projects.

Improve the quality and accessibility of process related documentation.

Support more consistent execution of operating procedures across shifts.

Contribute to successful production trials and new product scale-up.

Deliver a measurable improvement in an agreed area of plant performance.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive remuneration reflecting candidate's qualifications and experience.
• Cross-functional experience with Operations, Quality, Engineering and NPD.
• A technically diverse role in a specialised dairy powder manufacturing facility with exposure to spray drying, evaporation, wet processing and powder handling systems.
• Opportunities to participate in NPD trials, continuous improvement and capex projects.
• Close-knit, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to Support a Fair Workplace for All

Maeil Australia is committed to building a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace where people are valued for who they are and empowered to do their best. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to a positive, barrier-free recruitment process.