Process Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Thornton (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food manufacturing is hiring a Process Engineer to support growth through innovative solutions. This role involves process optimization, project management, and capacity enhancement, requiring a BS or MS in engineering and relevant experience. Join a passionate team committed to sustainable food solutions and make a significant impact in a rapidly growing industry.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401K with company match

Generous Time Off and Floating Holidays

Mental health programs at no cost

Parental Leave, Short-Term & Long-Term coverage

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in process engineering within the food manufacturing and packaging industry.
• Experience with automated production systems and process control systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to manufacturing processes and equipment selection.
• Analyze and improve food manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency.
• Support manufacturing startup and commissioning activities.

Skills

Process optimization

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BS or MS in biochemical, chemical engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems

Sterilize-in-Place (SIP) systems

AutoCAD

Visio

Job description

Job Description

We are hiring a process engineer to support our growth in food manufacturing with equipment engineering, process optimization, capital project support, and project management. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be the technical lead and subject matter expert for capacity expansion and other cross-functional projects requiring creative solutions to support the rapid growth of the company.

Responsibilities:

Process Engineering

• Apply engineering principles to manufacturing processes and equipment selection.
• Analyze and improve food manufacturing and packaging processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Specify and design production equipment, instrumentation & controls, and provide training to operators on new and existing processes and equipment.
• Develop cost justifications, scope, schedule, and budget estimates for new process systems and process upgrades.
• Support manufacturing startup and commissioning activities, including onsite field engineering at new production facilities, new system validation and checkout, and the development of standard operating procedures.

Project Support:

• Prepare Best Value Option Analysis (BVOA) to compare solutions and costs for best value and provide recommendations to project teams.
• Interface with Project Managers, contractors, vendors, and maintenance to ensure installation and completion of capital projects.
• Review, mark up, and approve drawings and other technical documentation for process systems.
• Develop Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) planning and execute successful FAT.
• Provide field installation supervision, lead commissioning, and troubleshoot during startup.
• Identify and resolve technical problems.
• Communicate project status throughout the organization.
• Develop and execute IQ, OQ, PQ with project team during installation, commissioning, qualification, and verification phases.
• Add value by influencing through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvement projects to increase productivity, reliability, sustainability, and reduce costs.
• Support a High-Performance Organization (HPO) environment by utilizing a total team approach to process improvements.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in biochemical, chemical engineering, or equivalent.
• 3+ years' experience in process engineering within the food manufacturing and packaging industry.
• Experience with automated production systems, packaging technologies, and process control systems.
• Understanding and experience with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems design and operation.
• Knowledge and experience with Sterilize-in-Place (SIP) design and operation for aseptic systems.
• Construction oversight and commissioning experience.
• Experience with mass balance process flows, biological and engineering systems modeling, biological systems optimization, automation engineering, engineering research, and/or sustainability engineering is desired.
• Minimal travel required depending on projects.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Nice-to-Have (but not required):

• Understanding of PLC programming and process control fundamentals.
• Experience with AutoCAD or Visio.
• Lean Six Sigma Certified (Green Belt).
• Statistical Process Control.
• Experience with packaging equipment (e.g., ADCO, Multivac, Harpak Ulma, JBT).
• Experience in conveying, singulation, and accumulation systems.

**Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Meati, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.**

Compensation:

The base salary range for this role is $85,000 - $120,000 annually. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Generous Time Off and Floating Holidays
• Mental health programs at no cost
• Parental Leave, Short-Term & Long-Term coverage, and Life/AD&D

Equal Employment Opportunity: Meati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to food safety standards and expect employees to comply with FDA requirements and external certifications (e.g., Kosher, Halal).

About Meati

Based in Colorado, Meati is on a mission to build Good Energy from the ground up. We create nutrient-dense mycelium-based food that delivers high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and great taste. We cultivate the complete protein nature intended, focusing on simple, clean, and delicious food. Learn more at meati.com.

Our passionate team aims to improve health, wellness, climate impact, and nutrition access worldwide. Join us during this exciting growth phase in the plant-based and alternative protein industry.