Process Engineer(Mechanical Engineer)

SS Software Solutions, LLC; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SS Software Solutions, LLC in Oxnard, CA is seeking a Process Engineer to lead capital projects and process improvements across food-related production lines. You will partner with Engineering and Operations to evaluate technology, develop practical solutions, and ensure successful implementation from concept to startup.

The role requires hands-on experience with processing systems and a strong collaboration mindset to drive performance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, or Food Engineering required.
• 8–10 years of relevant engineering experience in food processing, agriculture, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Experience with processing equipment, processing systems, capital projects, and manufacturing applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills; intermediate Excel skills.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Engineering leadership to develop annual and three-year capital plans identifying processing system improvements.
• Develop and implement capital projects from concept through start-up with scope, budget, schedule, and performance.
• Evaluate processing technologies, equipment, and infrastructure to recommend technical solutions.
• Develop detailed project plans including technology assessments, scopes, layouts, cost estimates, schedules, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Innovation, and plant teams to support project development.
• Create detailed functional control descriptions for units and processing systems.
• Support technology transfer, training, and handoff to Operations.
• Manage contractors and external partners during implementation.
• Maintain knowledge of food processing and packaging tech and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Microsoft Office

Excel

Driving license

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Food Engineering

Job description

Description

About the job

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.

Position Summary

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.

The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background and hands-on experience with processing systems and capital projects within food processing, agriculture, chemical, or pharmaceutical environments. This individual will be a collaborative problem solver who can evaluate technical challenges, develop practical solutions, and successfully manage projects from concept through 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-functional 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 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.