Process Engineer - Sterilization

saturn petcare, inc; Terre Haute (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Saturn Petcare Inc. in Terre Haute, IN is seeking a Process Engineer - Sterilization to optimize thermal processes, improve efficiency, and ensure product quality.

You will analyze heat distribution and penetration, setup balance of heat and pressure for seal integrity, and drive continuous improvement across engineering and maintenance teams. The role requires strong troubleshooting, data-driven process analysis, and familiarity with SQF standards.

Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to analyze processes and implement data-driven improvements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and integrated software applications.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing standards and SQF requirements preferred.
• >5 years of experience with retorts and process authority desired.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, troubleshoot, and develop solutions for equipment, hardware, software, and process-related issues.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and implement improvements to increase productivity, efficiency, and equipment uptime.
• Support machine reliability and performance through continuous improvement initiatives and equipment optimization.
• Develop and maintain technical and engineering documentation, including preventive maintenance procedures, technical manuals, troubleshooting guides, operating procedures, equipment specifications, and drawing revisions.
• Serve as the primary on-site engineering interface for equipment and system installation, testing, fabrication, commissioning, and related activities.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in engineering

A.S. in engineering with 3-5 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Process Engineer - Sterilization

Full Time Terre Haute, IN, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 1407

SUMMARY:

The Process Engineer for sterilization is responsible for optimizing thermal processes to improve operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and product quality. This role focuses on analyzing sterilization topics to include heat distribution, heat penetration, and working with process authority to help ensure quality products every time. This role will also perform deformation studies to best setup the balance of heat and pressure to help ensure seal integrity. The Process Engineer will drive machine improvements and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and equipment availability while supporting the professional development of the Engineering & other supporting teams through daily engagement, training, and technical guidance. This position also identifies operational and skill gaps within the organization and develops sustainable solutions.

• Investigate, troubleshoot, and develop solutions for equipment, hardware, software, and process-related issues.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and implement improvements to increase productivity, efficiency, and equipment uptime.
• Support machine reliability and performance through continuous improvement initiatives and equipment optimization.
• Develop and maintain technical and engineering documentation, including preventive maintenance procedures, technical manuals, troubleshooting guides, operating procedures, equipment specifications, and drawing revisions.
• Serve as the primary on-site engineering interface for equipment and system installation, testing, fabrication, commissioning, and related activities.
• Assist in the installation, validation, and acceptance of new equipment and systems.
• Partner with Engineering and R&D to develop sterilization programs, develop process flows, and ensure equipment capability to consistently produce quality products within required cycle times.
• Coordinate with R&D on new product development and modifications to existing products.
• Ensure compliance with SQF requirements, including documentation standards, maintenance plans, production processes, and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of company safety policies and applicable regulations to ensure safe work practices for self and others.
• Participate in supplier training programs for new and existing equipment and systems.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts by identifying inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions within Engineering and Maintenance operations.
• Support the development and standardization of efficient engineering and maintenance procedures.
• Maintain accurate training documentation and records as required.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and other integrated software applications to support reporting, documentation, and process analysis.
• Install, monitor, test, and service equipment and systems as required.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Should be proficient in reading and understanding engineering drawings, electrical, Hydraulic, and Pneumatic prints. In addition, the position requires:

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to manufacturing equipment, automation, hardware, software, and process systems.
• Ability to analyze processes and implement practical, data-driven improvements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and integrated software applications.
• Understanding of preventive maintenance systems, engineering documentation, and technical procedures.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing standards and SQF requirements preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and R&D.
• >5 years of experience with retorts and process authority desired

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, or related engineering field, along with experience working with a team preferred.
• Associate degree (A.S.) in manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, or related engineering field with 3- 5 years related experience considered.

Computer and Technology Skills:

Knowledgeable Microsoft office applications preferred.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as: safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedural manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to read and interpret engineering prints. Ability to apply concepts of Algebra and Geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to troubleshoot machine issues using past experience with little supervision.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

When performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hand to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, taste and smell.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit and talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Products produced in this facility may contain the following allergens: Egg, Shellfish, Fish, Gluten.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to create a contract, nor are they to be construed to constitute contractual obligations of any kind or a contract of employment between Saturn Petcare Inc. and any of its employees. The provisions of job descriptions have been developed at the discretion of management and may be amended or cancelled at any time by Saturn Petcare Inc. with or without notice.

Employment with Saturn Petcare Inc. is voluntarily entered into, and the employee is free to resign at will at any time, with or without cause. Similarly, Saturn Petcare Inc. may terminate the employment relationship at will at any time, with or without notice or cause, so long as there is not violation of applicable federal or state law.