Process Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Danone North America is seeking a Process Engineer to optimize and scale up manufacturing across dairy and plant-based beverage lines, partnering with Operations, QFS, R&I and Engineering to deliver safe, cost-effective and scalable processes.

The role emphasizes strong communication, proactive mindset, and adaptability in a dynamic environment, with hybrid work and travel to pilot and industrial sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical/Process Engineering, Food Engineering or related field
• 1-5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience
• Experience in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturing
• Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT) and aseptic/ESL processing beneficial

Responsibilities

• Process optimization and industrial scale-up across dairy and plant-based beverage lines.
• Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to improve waste, yield, downtime and process capability.
• Ensure GMPs, HACCP and food safety plans compliance; support regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot processing equipment during design and scale-up and support capital projects.
• Collaborate with R&I, Pilot Operations and Ops teams; provide training as needed.

Skills

Process optimization

Lean/Six Sigma

Data analysis

Communication

Adaptability

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Process Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD

PLC/SCADA

MES/Manufacturing data systems

Job description

Process Engineer

Location: US-CO-Louisville

Job Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and scaling up manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across dairy and plant-based beverage and yogurt production lines. This role partners with Operations, QFS, R&I, and Engineering to deliver safe, cost-effective, consumer preferred and scalable processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Optimization & Industrial Scale-up
  • Monitor and optimize unit operations such as batch, pasteurization/UHT processing, homogenization, fermentation (yogurt, cultured products), filling, equipment controls and automation
  • Co‑lead new process development & validation together with R&I PD leads & Ops Engineering
  • Identify process bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvements
  • Support line trials, scale‑ups, and product commercialization activities
• Continuous Improvement
  • Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives (waste, yield, downtime, process capability)
  • Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on production issues
  • Drive OEE improvement projects
  • Develop and maintain industrial trial reports, SOPs, etc.
• Quality & Food Safety
  • Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and food safety plans, pasteurization and thermal validation requirements
  • Partner with QFS to resolve deviations and maintain regulatory compliance and deliver consumer key criteria elements
• Equipment & Capital Projects
  • Troubleshoot processing equipment (tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, fillers) during new process design and scale‑up
  • Support design, commissioning, and startup of new equipment at both Pilot and Industrial sites
  • Work with vendors and contractors during capital projects for both Pilot plant and Industrial scale
  • Project Management of capital projects being implemented in Pilot Plant
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with R&I on new product scale‑up and experimental design
  • Collaborate with Pilot Operations on scale‑up
  • Occasionally provide technical training to operators and supervisors
  • Process Equipment SME
• Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • Hybrid manufacturing/office environment; significant time in pilot and industrial settings
  • Long periods on feet; exposure to moderate noise, wet conditions, and elevated temperatures
  • Approx. 40‑50% travel for scale‑up and commercialization

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $82,000‑118,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and a strong benefits package.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401(k) Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, Paid Parental Bonding Leave, and other benefit options. The role is a hybrid position allowing for flexible work, with expectations to report to the assigned office at least three days per week.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position.

Education & Experience

• Must have:
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical/Process Engineering, Food Engineering or related field
  • 1‑5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience
  • Experience in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturing
• Preferred:
  • Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT)
  • Exposure to aseptic/ESL processing and/or packaging
  • Experience with:
    • Dairy processing (milk, cream, yogurt)
    • Plant‑based beverages (almond, oat, coconut, soy)
    • Fermentation systems
    • Membrane filtration expertise a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of:
  • Fluid flow, heat transfer, shear rates and mass balance
  • CIP and Sanitation systems
  • PLC/SCADA
  • CAD
  • MES or manufacturing data systems
• Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, Power BI, Historian trending)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Understanding of ingredient variability (e.g., plant vs dairy proteins)
• Experience dealing with:
  • Viscosity differences in different product matrices
  • Ingredient functionality and shelf‑life considerations
  • Fermentation cycles

Equal Opportunity Employer

Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.