Process Engineer

The Sterling Choice; Lathrop (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Employee referral program

Discount programs

Career progression

Job summary

The Sterling Choice seeks a Process Engineer for a growing food manufacturer in California. You will optimize aseptic manufacturing processes, support new product commercialization, and drive continuous improvement across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, R&D and Supply Chain.

You’ll lead process validation, develop technical docs, and collaborate on capital projects to upgrade equipment and capabilities. This role offers hands-on ownership and meaningful impact on production performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Food, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of food manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of aseptic processing and sanitary design.
• Experience with process validation IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Experience with PFDs and P&IDs.
• Strong troubleshooting and continuous improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Designing and optimizing aseptic manufacturing processes.
• Developing PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Leading process validation and IQ/OQ/PQ activities.
• Supporting new product launches from pilot plant to production.
• Troubleshooting production issues and driving improvements.
• Supporting capital projects and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Continuous improvement

Aseptic processing knowledge

Education

Food/Chemical/Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

PLC/HMI-controlled equipment

Job description

If you're a Process Engineer who enjoys improving manufacturing processes, solving technical challenges, and making a real impact on the production floor, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

I'm working with a growing food manufacturer that's recently secured a major long-term customer contract, creating exciting investment and expansion opportunities across the business. As they continue to grow, they're looking for a Process Engineer to help optimize aseptic manufacturing

processes, support new product commercialization, and drive continuous improvement.

The Role

This is a hands‑on engineering role where you'll work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain to improve manufacturing performance and support key projects from concept through implementation.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Designing and optimizing aseptic manufacturing processes.
• Developing PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Leading process validation and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Supporting new product launches from pilot plant to commercial production.
• Troubleshooting production issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Supporting capital projects and equipment upgrades.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for an engineer who enjoys working cross‑functionally and finding practical solutions to manufacturing challenges.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree in Food, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering (or similar).
• 5+ years of food manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of aseptic processing, sanitary design, and process validation.
• Experience with PFDs, P&IDs, and PLC/HMI‑controlled equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and continuous improvement skills.

Why Join?

This is a great opportunity to join a business at an exciting stage of growth, where engineering is central to future success. Alongside a base salary, you’ll receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Employee referral and discount programs.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression.

If you're looking for a role where you'll have the autonomy to improve processes, lead meaningful projects, and grow with a business that's investing in its future, I'd love to tell you more.