Process Engineer 1

Central Garden & Pet; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with company matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Education assistance

Referral program

On-demand pay

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet seeks a Process Engineer 1 (ChemE) in Dallas, TX to bridge Operations and Technology Development, designing and analyzing experiments to improve manufacturing processes, focusing on formulation processes such as blending and extrusion.

The role requires a BS in Chemical Engineering (ABET-accredited) and 2+ years in process engineering with experience in design of experiments, scale-up, and chemical synthesis. Knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering from ABET-accredited institution.
• Minimum of 2 years in Process Engineering with emphasis on formulation development, process scale-up, chemical synthesis and process evaluation.
• Proficiency in creation and analysis of Industrial Design of Experiments and/or Mixture Designs.
• Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing principles knowledge preferred.
• Experience in synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials preferred.
• Project management skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between Operations and R&D during product development and commercialization.
• Design, perform, and analyze experiments using Quality by Design (QbD), DOE, and mixture design principles.
• Assist in scaling bench experiments to pilot and full-scale production and document process parameters.
• Develop and revise SOPs and control plans; support safety initiatives.
• Analyze product/process/quality data to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.

Skills

Process engineering

Formulation development

Scale-up

DOE/Mixture designs

LEAN Six Sigma

Project management

Industrial DOE/experiments

Education

ABET‑accredited Chemical Engineering degree

Job description

Description

This position is not eligible for US employment sponsorship Central Life Sciences is searching for a Process Engineer 1 in our Dallas, TX location. The Process Engineer 1 (ChemE) serves as the primary liaison between Operations and Technology Development Divisions with the purpose of bringing new products to market. This position will design, plan, perform and analyze experiments to aid in the development and improvement of manufacturing processes and procedures, focusing primarily on formulation processes (including, but not limited to, solids blending, liquid blending, extrusion and injection molding). The Process Engineer 1 (ChemE) will comply with the Commercialization Process, ISO 9001:2018, GMP and GLP requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technology Transfer Responsibilities (50%)

• Act as liaison between Operations and R&D teams during product development and commercialization.
• Design, perform, and analyze experiments using Quality by Design (QbD), DOE, and mixture design principles.
• Assist in scaling bench experiments to pilot and full-scale production, document and validate process parameters to ensure smooth tech transfer.
• Work with formulation chemists and R&D teams to evaluate new materials and equipment needs.
• Support Scale-up trials, product evaluations, and commercialization readiness activities.
• Assist Operations with Product launch.
• Evaluate equipment and process capabilities and make recommendations on equipment design and selection.
• Support Operations in evaluating product inconsistencies & providing disposition.

2. Operations & Reliability Responsibilities (30%)

• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting process issues.
• Assist in the installation, start-up, and validation of new and modified equipment.
• Contribute to the development and revision of process SOPs and control plans.
• Support safety initiatives including Hazop and job hazard analysis, 5-why’s and RCA.
• Develop work instructions/ OPL (One point lesson) and provide training on new and improved equipment and processes.

3. Data Analysis/Technical Management (20%)

• Analyze product/process/quality data identifying opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
• Maintain and update technical spreadsheets, databases, and dashboards for process tracking and reporting.
• Support administrative tasks including meeting notes, tracking action items, and managing technical files.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering required from an ABET accredited institution. Other engineering disciplines may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
• Minimum of 2 years in Process Engineering with emphasis on formulation development, process scale-up, chemical synthesis and process evaluation.
• A demonstrated proficiency in creation and analysis of Industrial Design of Experiments and/or Mixture Designs is required.
• Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing principles preferred.
• Experience in the synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials preferred.
• Project Management skills preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in office, production, laboratory, and machine environments.
• Some travel may be necessary.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.