Process Engineer

Actus-Nutrition; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Actus Nutrition is seeking a Process Engineer to identify, design, and implement improvements in equipment and processes for manufacturing and commercialization of new products. The role collaborates with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Engineering to ensure optimized, compliant processes aligned with business objectives.

Responsibilities include planning major production activities, optimizing protein manufacturing processes, and driving cost reductions while maintaining quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, dairy processing or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in dairy or food processing.
• Knowledge of Whey Protein Manufacturing Operations preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and plan projects involving major production activities and commercialization of new products.
• Support optimization of specialty protein manufacturing processes to align with regulatory and quality expectations.
• Plan, design, and execute process improvement initiatives for quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Monitor critical process parameters, analyze performance data, troubleshoot variability, and implement actions.
• Lead projects with productivity and cost-reduction impacts across yield, waste, chemical usage, and CIP.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Whey protein knowledge

Education

Bachelors in chemical engineering or dairy processing

Job description

Actus Nutrition , our focus is to create high-quality ingredients designed to optimize health and nutrition. We are passionate and dedicated people. Each day, we collectively explore new, innovative ways to enhance product performance and value through our broad human and animal nutrition portfolios. The human nutrition division focuses on industry leading whey and milk protein isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates. The animal nutrition division is a leading supplier of functional fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Both divisions are backed by the speed, execution and passion it takes to exceed the expectation of our customers. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as a healthy 401(k) company match program.

The Process Engineer will identify, design, and implement improvements to equipment and processes to optimize current manufacturing and commercialization of new products. This role focuses on driving improvements in process efficiency, product quality, and functionality. The position partners closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Engineering to ensure processes are optimized, compliant, and aligned with business and customer objectives.

• Conceive and plan projects, in collaboration with manufacturing team, involving major production activities (plant tests and commercialization of new products), exploration of product and/or process problems, definition and selection of new concepts and approaches in manufacturing operations
• Support the optimization of specialty protein manufacturing processes, ensuring performance aligns with company strategy, regulatory requirements, and customer quality expectations
• Plan, design, and execute process improvement initiatives focused on quality compliance, operational efficiency, and cost reduction
• Monitor critical process parameters, analyze performance data, troubleshoot process variability, and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Lead and drive projects with significant productivity and cost reduction impacts. Areas of focus are overall yield, waste reduction, chemical usage, and CIP optimization
• Develop, improve, and standardize process documentation, including SOPs and best practice guidelines, to support operational consistency and regulatory compliance
• Partner with production, quality, R&D, and engineering teams to design and implement sustainable process improvements
• Analyze and report on process performance metrics such as yield, efficiency, throughput, and quality trends; communicate findings and recommendations to leadership
• Stay current on emerging processing technologies and industry best practices, recommending and supporting the adoption of new technologies where appropriate
• Provide R & D Project Support, perform special projects and other responsibilities as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, dairy processing or related field
• 3+ years of experience in dairy or food processing
• Knowledge of Whey Protein Manufacturing Operations preferred
• Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and troubleshoot process issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams
• Experience with regulatory compliance and quality controls standards
• P&ID knowledge or experience

The salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $120,0000.00 USD based on experience. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to education, skill set and depth of experience.

Actus Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.

Travel Required

Yes . 50%

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.