Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

fairlife, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment

Job summary

fairlife, LLC, a leader in nutrition-based dairy products, seeks a Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer in Chicago, IL. This role focuses on innovation in fluid milk processing and requires expertise in thermal processing, membrane separations, and teamwork across departments.

The ideal candidate possesses a Master's degree in Dairy Science or a related field and has 5–10 years of relevant experience. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, and a competitive salary range of $135,000–$165,000.

Qualifications

• Master's in Dairy Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in fluid dairy processing.
• Expertise in thermal processing and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical expertise in fluid milk processing.
• Design and execute pilot and commercial scale experiments.
• Identify process optimization opportunities.

Skills

Fluid milk handling

Thermal processing expertise

Ultrafiltration knowledge

Analytical testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS in Dairy Science or related field

Tools

HTST/HHST/UHT systems

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago‑based nutrition company that creates great‑tasting, nutrition‑rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio includes lactose‑free, real dairy products such as fairlife® ultra‑filtered milk, Core Power® High Protein Shakes, and fairlife® nutrition plan™. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca‑Cola company, fairlife has been recognized by Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry‑leading innovation.

Job Purpose

The Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer will bring deep technical expertise in fluid milk membrane separations (especially ultrafiltration), thermal processing (HTST/HHST/UHT), and end‑to‑end milk unit operations—from raw milk receiving through packaging. This hands‑on technical authority will drive process technology innovation, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, optimize process capabilities and product quality, support pilot‑to‑plant scale‑up, and partner with Operations, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing technical leadership, Operational Support and Troubleshooting

• Serve as a go‑to technical expert for fluid milk separation, standardization, homogenization, pasteurization systems (HTST/HHST/UHT), and packaging performance.
• Diagnose and resolve process and product issues.
• Partner with Operations/Manufacturing/Quality to drive safe, compliant, and reliable production; troubleshoot process deviations and identify root causes for quality issues.

Process design, scale‑up, and optimization

• Define critical process parameters, key performance indicators, and control plans.
• Design, coordinate, and execute pilot and commercial‑scale plant trials.
• Own process capability improvements and provide technical input to capital projects and equipment selection.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise on OEM platforms and engineering approaches.

Technical Advocacy

• Proactively identify opportunities for process optimization that improve efficiency, sustainability, yield, or product shelf‑life.
• Lead initiatives and manage stakeholders across Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Milk chemistry, physical chemistry, and product quality

• Apply deep knowledge of milk composition and how processing impacts chemistry, physical properties, and functional performance.
• Partner with Product Development and Operations on formulation/processing choices for fluid dairy products, including shakes.

Analytics & data‑driven decision making

• Define plans, execute, and interpret analytical testing results tied to processing and shelf‑life.
• Establish and improve SOPs, troubleshooting playbooks, and process data reviews.

People leadership

• Individual contributor initially; will build and develop a team of 1–4 process engineers, dairy scientists, or technicians.
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships and communicate clearly from plant floor to leadership level.

Qualifications

• MS in Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field with a focus on dairy processing and/or thermal processing.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in fluid dairy processing spanning pilot through commercial manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in HTST/HHST and/or UHT processing of fluid milk and/or cream with practical plant troubleshooting.
• Experience with end‑to‑end milk unit operations: raw receiving → clarification/separation → standardization → homogenization → pasteurization/aseptic processing → packaging.
• Ultrafiltration of milk and/or dairy membrane separations; familiarity with MF/UF/NF/RO is a plus.
• Strong technical competence in dairy physical chemistry and processing impacts on proteins/fats/enzymes.
• Proven ability to partner with Operations/Manufacturing/Quality in a high‑accountability environment.
• Experience with aseptic systems and packaging interactions—commercial aseptic operations strongly preferred.
• Track record of leading cross‑functional root‑cause investigations (e.g., flavor defects, oxidation, shelf‑life failures).
• Experience in capital projects preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations and operator training frameworks for pasteurization systems preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one.
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance).
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work‑life balance.
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000).
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
• 401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing.
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability.
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants).
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month).
• Learning and development programs.
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to support your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

Location & Compensation

Location: Chicago, IL

Reports to: Sr. Director, R&D

Travel requirement: 40–50% travel to our plants

Exempt status: Exempt

Base pay range: $135,000–$165,000 USD

Equal Opportunity

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation, please email [e-mail].