R&D Process Engineer: Dairy Protein & Process Optimization

Actus Nutrition in; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actus Nutrition in Minnesota is seeking an R&D Process Engineer to drive trial support at our manufacturing facilities and optimize protein ingredients. You will gather samples, test processes, and collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&D and Engineering to ensure compliant, high‑quality outcomes.

The role emphasizes solving process issues, improving efficiency, and delivering sustainable improvements in dairy and protein manufacturing while advancing new technologies and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, food science, dairy processing or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in dairy or food processing.
• Knowledge of Whey Protein Manufacturing Operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and troubleshoot process issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and quality controls standards.

Responsibilities

• Aid in trial support at manufacturing facilities by obtaining samples, collecting data, and draft report findings
• Support the optimization of specialty protein manufacturing processes, ensuring performance aligns with company strategy, regulatory requirements, and customer quality expectations
• Plan, design, and execute process improvement initiatives focused on quality compliance, operational efficiency, and cost reduction
• Monitor critical process parameters, analyze performance data, troubleshoot process variability, and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Develop, improve, and standardize process documentation, including SOPs and best practice guidelines, to support operational consistency and regulatory compliance
• Partner with production, quality, R&D, and engineering teams to design and implement sustainable process improvements
• Analyze and report on process performance metrics such as yield, efficiency, throughput, and quality trends; communicate findings and recommendations to leadership
• Stay current on emerging processing technologies and industry best practices, recommending and supporting the adoption of new technologies where appropriate
• Provide R & D Project Support, perform special projects and other responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Whey protein ops

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering / food science / dairy processing

Job description

Actus Nutrition in Minnesota is seeking an R&D Process Engineer to drive trial support at our manufacturing facilities and optimize protein ingredients. You will gather samples, test processes, and collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&D and Engineering to ensure compliant, high‑quality outcomes.

The role emphasizes solving process issues, improving efficiency, and delivering sustainable improvements in dairy and protein manufacturing while advancing new technologies and best practices.