Process Engineer

GEA Group; Minnesota; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays and 136 hours PTO

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Health Savings and Spending

Job summary

GEA Group in Oakdale, MN is seeking a mid-senior Process Engineer to support design, commissioning, and optimization of liquid, fermentation, and filling systems for beverage, food, and dairy applications. The role focuses on equipment configurations, process flows, PFDs/P&IDs, and ensuring compliance with GEA standards and customer objectives.

Candidates typically have 2–10+ years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or related field, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or similar related degree.
• 2+ to 10+ years of related industry experience.
• Processing experience in the food, dairy, or beverage industry preferred.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project phases from initial customer meetings through pre-award sales support, cost estimation, proposal generation, engineering, commissioning, and optimization.
• Develop process & functional descriptions of operation and lead FAT tests.
• Plan and implement test procedures and commissioning plans.
• Provide technical support through troubleshooting to resolve equipment/system performance issues.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or related field

Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

GEA Group, located in Oakdale, MN, is searching for a mid-senior level Process Engineer to join our team! The Process Engineer will support sales, engineering, commissioning and optimization of GEA process systems in the Liquid, Fermentation, and Filling engineering team. This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries. The role includes designing and improving equipment configurations, process flows, and systems. The engineer will ensure that the processes developed meet or exceed GEA standards and customers’ overall objectives. Process engineer is also responsible for the company's and clients' standards for quality, safety, and environmental compliance.

• Participate in project phases from initial customer meetings through pre-award sales support, support cost estimation, proposal generation, engineering, commissioning, and optimization.
• Responsible for specific technical areas of the project, ensuring adherence to design standards and optimization of designs to meet customer specifications within time, budget, and contract constraints.
• Work collaboratively with project team to accomplish project milestones and goals.
• Support identification and justification of scope changes, as it relates/impacts the process design over the full project life cycle.
• Provide technical solutions that meet customer expectations and requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of meetings, discussions, correspondence, and technical documents.
• Develop Block Flow Diagrams (BFDs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and heat and mass balances.
• Develop process equipment specification.
• Specify and/or design utility consumptions.
• Contribute to general arrangement of plot plant and elevation view drawings.
• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Develop process & functional descriptions of operation.
• Lead and facilitate software FAT. Confirm operation according to process description/ functional description (FDS).
• Plan and implement test procedures and commissioning plans.
• Provide technical support through troubleshooting to resolve customer concerns regarding equipment/system performance.
• Complete plant audits.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations, safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry standards such as sanitary requirements.
• Support safety evaluations such as HAZOP meetings.
• Collaborate with team members, technology centers, and GEA European Centers of Competence for technology improvements and successful project execution.
• Coordinate with other disciplines to minimize deficiencies, errors, and omissions in project technical document and specifications.
• Develop relationships with key technical stakeholders for process design & operation considerations.
• Provide pre-sale and post-sale support including site evaluations, pilot trials, presentations, and training.
• Technically evaluate third-party supplier proposals and equipment selections.
• Work with customers in support of sales managers and build/maintain relationships.
• Support commissioning activities on site.
• Train customer personnel on GEA process systems during commissioning.
• Provide ongoing troubleshooting support, train customer personnel, and report any process improvement initiatives.
• Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or similar related degree preferred
• At least 2-10+ years of related industry experience .
• Processing experience in the food, dairy, or beverage industry preferred.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be willing to travel approximately up to 50%, including international travel.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

• Start strong– Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on yourfirst day
• Recharge and refresh– Enjoy12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and136 hours of PTOto relax or explore
• Invest in your future– A7% 401(k) employer matchhelps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning– Take advantage oftuition reimbursementto further your education or skillset
• Live well– Ourwellness incentive programrewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it– Access to a confidentialEmployee Assistance Programfor personal or professional guidance
• Save smart– FlexibleHealth Savings and Spending Accountsto manage out-of-pocket expenses

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.