Food Process Development Engineer

The Planet Group; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a qualified engineer (Bachelor's level or higher) for a role focused on food engineering and FMCG product/process development. The candidate should be adept at experimental design, evaluating equipment for production, and collaborating with manufacturing facilities across lab, pilot plant, and production settings.

The position emphasizes hands-on experimentation, cross-functional teamwork, and the ability to translate research into scalable processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with strong industrial/applied research interest.
• Demonstrated ability to develop products or processes and design experiments.
• Experience identifying equipment for FMCG production and supporting manufacturing operations.

Skills

Product/Process development

Experimental design

Equipment specification

Manufacturing collaboration

Education

Bachelors degree in Food Engineering

Job description

• Bachelors degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, preferably with 5 years of industrial/applied research experience.
• [ Masters or Ph.D. will be considered, but not a requirement for the role.]
• Demonstration of accomplishment in product/process development or experimental design.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and/or specifying equipment suitable for use in the production of FMCG products.
• Demonstrated experience in working directly with manufacturing facilities, and supporting with any production related issues.

Preferred Experience

• Engineering experience with dairy/non-dairy products and/or emulsion technology.
• Experience in process optimization and operational efficiency
• Strong research skills, including setting up design of experiments utilizing bench or pilot equipment and performing research individually or as part of a broader team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Expected to conduct experiments in laboratory, test kitchen, pilot plant, and production facility environments.
• Follow company associate and product safety procedures.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Stand and/or sit for extended periods.
• Distinguish differences in ingredients and materials through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
• Occasionally work extended hours in environments with noise, odors, and high temperature and humidity.
• Attend global video meetings outside standard work hours, including evenings and early mornings as needed.
• Physical dexterity required to operate equipment such as scales and balances.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.