Principal Process Engineer, Low Acid Aseptic Beverage Manufacturing

Laguna Source, LLC.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Laguna Source, LLC in Buffalo, NY seeks a technical engineering leader to drive capital projects, process scale-up, and packaging systems optimization in a state‑of‑the‑art low acid aseptic beverage operation serving global brands.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, oversee $3–$10M projects, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with cGMP, HACCP, FDA, and OSHA while developing master plans, budgets, SOPs, PFDs, and P&IDs for bids.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering in FDA-regulated facilities (food/beverage, dairy, nutritional products, infant formula, or pharma).
• Experience leading $3–$10M capital projects and line installations.
• Expertise in aseptic processing, thermal processing, and packaging tech (TetraPak, ESL, CIP).
• Strong cGMP, HACCP, FDA compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional engineering projects for launches, scale-up, and packaging optimization.
• Oversee capital projects of $3–$10M from planning to installation and commissioning.
• Mentor engineers, manage contractors and external vendors.
• Develop cGMP docs, SOPs, PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and long-term engineering master plans.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Process engineering

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical Engineering

MBA (a plus)

Job description

This is an exciting technical engineering leadership opportunity within the US's largest low acid aseptic beverage co-manufacturing operation. You will lead engineering functions, technical excellence, and capital projects within a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation serving leading global food & beverage companies, producing products including almond milk, smoothies, RTD protein shakes, and coffee creamers. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex, strategic cross-functional engineering projects for new product launches, process scale-up, and packaging systems optimization within a low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing operation.
• Applying process engineering expertise in low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing, including thermal processing, CIP, ESL, and filling technologies for TetraPak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch lines.
• Overseeing $3–$10M capital projects including new construction, equipment upgrades, equipment installations, and full manufacturing line installations for beverage manufacturing processes, thermal processing, CIP, ESL, TetraPak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch filling lines.
• Managing capital project planning and execution, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of high-impact initiatives supporting business growth.
• Leading and designing project budgets, schedules, construction, commissioning, and project takeover activities.
• Overseeing capital projects for packaging systems including robotics and automation systems for palletizers.
• Leading and managing engineers, contractors, and external vendors.
• Partnering with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to implement best-in-class engineering solutions aligned with cGMP, HACCP, FDA, and OSHA standards.
• Providing cGMP documentation, writing SOPs, and developing PFDs and P&IDs, equipment and piping layouts, and process and equipment specifications for bids.
• Managing budgets, forecasts, and long-term engineering master plans while ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Developing, mentoring, and coaching engineering talent to build a world-class technical organization.

Desired Skills & Experience

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering field. MBA a plus.
• 7+ years of engineering experience within an FDA-regulated facility such as food and beverage, dairy, nutritional products, infant formula, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Process engineering experience in low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing, including products such as smoothies, protein drinks, and almond milk, is strongly preferred.
• Capital project engineering experience leading $3–$10M projects, with demonstrated success in facility, utility, processing, filling, and packaging line installations including TetraPak, Combi, Bottling, and Pouch lines.
• Demonstrated expertise in aseptic processing, thermal processing, and packaging technologies including TetraPak, Combi, and ESL systems.
• Food safety experience working within FDA, GMP, and HACCP compliance frameworks.

*** Please note, this is a key manufacturing leadership position based at a major manufacturing plant and R&D site. Living and working in the Buffalo/Niagara region is an absolute requirement for this position. ***

Company Description

This position is within a Buffalo Area natural products and nutritional foods spinoff company backed by a major CPG, Dairy and Nutritional Products Manufacturer. It is an incredible opportunity to get on board within an ultra-innovative, fast paced and friendly entrepreneurial environment with an exciting portfolio of new product launches.