Process Engineer

Danone; Louisville (CO); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Danone North America is seeking a Process Engineer to optimize and scale dairy and plant-based beverage production lines. You will collaborate with Operations, QFS, R&I, and Engineering to deliver safe, cost-effective, consumer-preferred processes.

The role emphasizes improving unit operations, supporting line trials, scale-ups, and product commercialization, while leading Lean/Six Sigma initiatives. Hybrid schedule with on-site floor time and 40–50% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical/Process Engineering or related field.
• 1–5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in CPG, food, or beverage.
• Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize unit operations in dairy and plant-based lines.
• Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and root cause analysis.
• Support line trials, scale-ups and product commercialization.
• Ensure GMP/HACCP compliance with QFS and safety programs.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Heat transfer

PLC/SCADA

Data analytics

Education

Chemical/Process Engineering

Tools

CAD

Minitab

Power BI

Job description

Job Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and scaling up manufacturing processes in dairy and plant-based beverage and yogurt production lines. The role works with Operations, QFS, R&I, and Engineering to deliver safe, cost‑effective, consumer‑preferred, and scalable processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize unit operations such as batching, pasteurization/UHT processing, homogenization, fermentation, filling, equipment controls, and automation.
• Co‑lead new process development and validation with R&I and Ops Engineering.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvements.
• Support line trials, scale‑ups, and product commercialization.
• Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and root cause analysis of production issues.
• Drive OEE improvement projects and maintain industrial trial reports and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and food safety plans; partner with QFS to resolve deviations.
• Troubleshoot processing equipment during design, scale‑up, and startup.
• Support design, commissioning, and startup of new equipment at pilot and industrial sites.
• Manage capital projects at pilot plant and coordinate vendors/contractors.
• Collaborate with R&I, pilot operations and occasionally train operators and supervisors.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Hybrid manufacturing/office environment with significant time on the production floor. Requires being on feet, exposure to moderate noise, wet and warm conditions, and approximately 40-50% travel.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $82,000–118,000 USD. Includes performance‑based bonus and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401(k), wellness program, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible time off, and paid parental bonding leave.

About You – Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Chemical/Process Engineering, Food Engineering or related field.
• 1–5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, ideally in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturing.

Preferred

• Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT).
• Experience with aseptic/ESL processing or packaging.
• Experience in dairy processing, plant‑based beverages, fermentation systems, and membrane filtration expertise a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of fluid flow, heat transfer, shear rates, mass balance, CIP/sanitation systems, PLC/SCADA, CAD, MES or manufacturing data systems.
• Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, Power BI, historian trending).
• Statistical Process Control and understanding of ingredient variability.
• Experience with viscosity differences, ingredient functionality, shelf‑life considerations, and fermentation cycles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Danone North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.