Process Development Engineer

The Planet Group; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a Food Process Engineer to support the team by applying engineering methods to solve problems and drive project execution.

The role requires applying existing and emerging knowledge to solve problems independently and engaging with centers of expertise, including equipment vendors and literature searches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of industry or applied research experience.
• Masters or PhD considered but not required.
• Experience in product/process development and experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering methods and practices to problem solving and project execution.
• Apply existing and emerging knowledge to solve problems independently.
• Engage with internal and external centers of expertise including vendors, patent/literature searches, and open innovation platforms.
• Evaluate input from vendors, consultants, design groups, engineering teams, and packaging suppliers to identify potential solutions.

Skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Design of experiments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food/ Chemical/ Mechanical Engineering

Masters or Ph.D. considered but not required

Job description

• Supports existing team through applying engineering methods and practices to problem solving and project execution.
• Applies existing and emerging engineering/scientific knowledge to solve problems independently.
• Engages with internal and external centers of expertise, including equipment vendors, patent/literature searches, and open innovation platforms.
• Evaluates and integrates input from vendors, consultants, design groups, engineering teams, and packaging suppliers to identify potential solutions.

Required Qualifications

• 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.