Process Engineer

GEA Group; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision on day 1

Paid holidays & PTO 136h

401(k) match 7%

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

EAP

Job summary

GEA Group, a global engineering leader, seeks a Process Engineer to support sales, engineering, commissioning and optimization of sanitary process systems in the US. The role emphasizes designing equipment configurations, process flows, and ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards.

You will collaborate across teams, create PFDs/P&IDs, and contribute to project execution while benefiting from a hybrid schedule (up to two days remote per week).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or related field.
• 4–6 years of processing experience in food, dairy, or beverage industries.
• Willingness to travel about 25% (up to 40%).

Responsibilities

• Participate in project phases from execution to commissioning and optimization.
• Support pre-award sales activities, cost estimation, and proposals.
• Ensure adherence to design standards and optimize designs for customer specs.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and heat/mass balances and assist with equipment specs.
• Lead or support commissioning activities on site and train customer personnel.

Skills

Analytical skills

English communication

Team player

Self-motivated

Organizational skills

Time management

MS Office

Travel 25%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Eng or related

Tools

MS Office

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.

Your responsibilities and tasks

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

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

The pay range is not guaranteed 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 a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards. Job Summary:

The Process Engineer will support sales, engineering, commissioning and optimization of GEA Process systems in the Sanitary Powder and Thermal Separations (PTS) Department. 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.

The role provides the opportunity for a hybrid working schedule (up to two day per week remote).

• Participate in project phases from execution hand-off, engineering, commissioning, and optimization.
• Occasionally support the Technical Offer Management Department from initial customer meetings through pre-award sales support, cost estimation, and proposal generation.
• 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.
• Lead or 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.
• Act as a mentor for other Process Engineers.

Travel:

• Ability to travel approximately 25% (up to 40%) to support various activities dependent on project need.

Your profile and qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently.
• Able to be self-motivated, take initiative, be decisive, and have commercial / business acumen.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient computer skills including proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Experience with evaporator design and/or operation a plus.
• 4-6 years experience.
• Processing experience in the food, dairy, or beverage industry preferred.
• Evaporation, spray drying, and powder handling experience preferred.
• Must be willing to travel approximately 25% (up to 40%) of the time.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or similar related degree.
• 4-6 years experience.
• Processing experience in the food, dairy, or beverage industry preferred.
• Evaporation, spray drying, and powder handling experience preferred.
• Must be willing to travel approximately 25% (up to 40%) of the time.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

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 Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

About GEA

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA’s success – come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.

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.

GEA is certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute in 19 countries in APAC & Europe. We have high scores for Leadership, Ethics & Integrity and Sustainability. Outside APAC & Europe we are also certified in Colombia and Mexico.

GEA’s heritage stretches back more than 140 years. Today, we operate in resilient customer industries with a dedicated workforce of more than 18,000 employees and conduct business with more than 150 countries.