Manufacturing Aseptic Process Engineer

Kroger; Newark (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kroger Co. is seeking an experienced engineer to provide technical expertise and process guidance in aseptic liquid processing and packaging for its food manufacturing plants in the United States.

You will lead design, optimization and validation efforts to improve safety, quality, reliability and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include developing aseptic product strategies, creating detailed process and packaging plans for dairy, juice and viscous products, and managing projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of aseptic dairy process experience.
• 6+ years of progressive engineering experience in food/beverage manufacturing and dairy processing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; adept at project scheduling and spreadsheets.
• Experience formulating and executing plans that meet predefined project goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills with understanding of engineering disciplines, plant operations and construction.
• Knowledge of aseptic processing and packaging.

Responsibilities

• Function as a contributor in the development of Kroger Manufacturing's aseptic product strategy.
• Create detailed engineering and design plans for aseptic food products ranging from dairy products, juices, blended products, viscous concentrates and pastes.
• Optimize, troubleshoot and maintain existing aseptic manufacturing lines to improve quality, productivity and safety.
• Prepare conceptual process and packaging designs to enhance existing or new aseptic product portfolio.
• Manage multiple assigned projects including manpower, budgets, scheduling, equipment, and materials.
• Evaluate and present current and new equipment and technology.
• Prepare process analyses of existing processing technologies and systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Participate in industry tradeshows and conferences to identify new technologies for aseptic processing and packaging.
• Incorporate safety and regulatory requirements into all solutions.
• Maintain awareness of federal, state, and local engineering codes and regulations.
• Follow programs to produce safe, quality foods meeting regulatory and company requirements.
• Support SQF Systems development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement.
• Accountable to Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.
• Work around ingredients and/or products containing allergens.

Skills

Aseptic processing knowledge

Project scheduling

Interpersonal/communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Provide technical expertise and process guidance in the area of aseptic liquid processing and packaging for all food manufacturing plants. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Function as a contributor in the development of Kroger Manufacturing's aseptic product strategy
• Create detailed engineering and design plans for aseptic food products ranging from dairy products, juices, blended products, viscous concentrates and pastes
• Optimize, troubleshoot and maintain existing aseptic manufacturing lines to improve quality, productivity and safety
• Prepare conceptual process and packaging designs which can enhance existing or new aseptic product portfolio
• Manage multiple assigned projects establishing manpower, budgets, scheduling, equipment, and materials
• Evaluate and present appropriate current and new equipment and technology
• Prepare process analysis of existing processing technologies and systems
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis
• Participate in industry tradeshows and technical conferences to identify new technologies and innovations in aseptic processing and packaging applicable to the Kroger Company
• Incorporate personnel safety, food safety and regulatory requirements into all solutions
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of Federal, State, and Local engineering codes and regulations
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Travel independently up to 10% as needed
• Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of Aseptic dairy process experience
• 6+ years of progressive engineering experience in food/beverage manufacturing and dairy processing
• Proficient in Microsoft office; adept at project scheduling and spreadsheet
• Experience formulating and executing plans that when complete, met pre-defined project goals
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with strong grasp of engineering disciplines, plant operations and construction
• Relevant technical expertise and application knowledge of aseptic processing and packaging

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the food manufacturing industry with a strong preference for dairy or beverage
• Capital project management >$1MM
• Knowledge of other liquid food and beverage processing technologies including extended shelf-life (ESL), ultra clean and hot fill a plus
• Proven experience in food safety, hygienic design, aseptic, beverage, dairy and juice design standards
• Experience with Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) principles and practices