Process Engineer

ofi; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time from Day 1

Paid Sick Leave

Company Paid Holidays

401K Match on Day 1

Career Growth & Learning

Job summary

ofi is seeking a Process Engineer to join our on-site manufacturing team in California. Reporting to the Sr.

Director of Engineering, you will lead capital projects from concept through start-up, evaluate processing technologies, and partner with Engineering, Operations, Innovation, and plant teams to deliver solutions. You will manage contractors, develop detailed project plans, ensure compliance with industry codes, and support technology transfer to Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Food Engineering is required.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of relevant engineering experience in food processing, agriculture, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries is required.
• Experience with processing equipment, processing systems, capital projects, and manufacturing applications is required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are required.
• Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills are required.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills are required; intermediate Excel skills are required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required.
• Travel: This role may require up to 25% travel to other worksite locations, suppliers, customers, or business events.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Engineering leadership to develop annual and three-year capital plans by identifying and recommending processing system improvements and solutions.
• Develop and implement capital projects from concept through start-up, with responsibility for scope, budget, schedule, and performance.
• Evaluate processing technologies, equipment, infrastructure requirements, and system performance to recommend effective technical solutions.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including technology assessments, project scopes, layouts, infrastructure requirements, cost estimates, implementation schedules, performance criteria, and risk assessments.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Innovation, RQI, and plant teams to support project development and implementation.
• Develop detailed functional control descriptions for unit operations and processing systems.
• Support technology transfer, training, and the successful handoff of new or modified processes and equipment to Operations.
• Manage contractors and external partners during project implementation.
• Maintain current knowledge of food processing and packaging technologies and ensure solutions comply with applicable industry regulations and codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Project management

Cross-functional communication

MS Office

Excel

Driver's license

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Food Engineering

Job description

Description

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

With deep roots in origin countries and close relationships with farmers, we help deliver quality, traceability, transparency, and resilient supply chains. By combining sourcing expertise, market knowledge, innovation, and technical capabilities, we create value for customers while driving positive impact for people and the planet.

Together, ofi employees advance our Purpose: to be the change for good food and a healthy future.

Position Summary

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues - employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Engineering, the Process Engineer will recommend and implement process improvement initiatives to improve manufacturing processes and operational performance. This role will support the development and implementation of processing systems and capital projects from concept through start-up and handoff to operations.

The Process Engineer will partner with Engineering, Operations, Innovation, and other cross-functional teams to evaluate technology, develop project solutions, and ensure successful implementation.

This position will also manage contractors during project implementation.

What You'll Do - Position Responsibilities

• Partner with Engineering leadership to develop annual and three-year capital plans by identifying and recommending processing system improvements and solutions.
• Develop and implement capital projects from concept through start-up, with responsibility for scope, budget, schedule, and performance.
• Evaluate processing technologies, equipment, infrastructure requirements, and system performance to recommend effective technical solutions.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including technology assessments, project scopes, layouts, infrastructure requirements, cost estimates, implementation schedules, performance criteria, and risk assessments.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Innovation, RQI, and plant teams to support project development and implementation.
• Develop detailed functional control descriptions for unit operations and processing systems.
• Support technology transfer, training, and the successful handoff of new or modified processes and equipment to Operations.
• Manage contractors and external partners during project implementation.
• Maintain current knowledge of food processing and packaging technologies and ensure solutions comply with applicable industry regulations and codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience You'll Bring- Role Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Food Engineering is required.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of relevant engineering experience in food processing, agriculture, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries is required.
• Experience with processing equipment, processing systems, capital projects, and manufacturing applications is required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are required.
• Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills are required.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills are required; intermediate Excel skills are required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required.
• Travel: This role may require up to 25% travel to other worksite locations, suppliers, customers, or business events.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive & competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!

The pay for this role ranges from $103,000 - $125,000 annually and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.

• Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles.
• Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.
• A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.
• Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees.

Additional Perks That Make a Difference

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.
• Paid Sick Leave – Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi.
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments.
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.
• Career Growth & Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.