Senior Process Engineer

OtterBase; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OtterBase in Orangeburg, SC seeks a Process Expert Engineer to lead design, implementation and optimization of state-of-the-art food manufacturing processes on-site. You will drive technical leadership across process design, equipment selection, and qualification.

You will collaborate with R&D, QA, Packaging, Supply Chain and Operations to ensure safety, quality, and continuous improvement from concept through production startup and ongoing optimization.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, constructing, commissioning, or operating food processing facilities.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitary design practices.
• Ability to develop process design bases and select unit operations.
• Experience with mass and energy balances and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the specification, development, design, and optimization of manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, reliability and cost control.
• Provide expert technical guidance across process engineering activities, including raw materials handling, mixing, molding, extrusion, cooking and conveying.
• Develop and implement process efficiency initiatives delivering measurable savings and improvements.
• Identify root-cause issues to minimize downtime and improve stability.
• Evaluate equipment solutions with R&D, Operations, and suppliers; establish design standards and documentation.
• Lead projects from concept through execution, including trials, validation, and start-up activities.

Skills

Process Engineering

Project Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Food Safety

Tools

GMP/ HACCP

ISO Standards

Job description

Position Overview

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential to support production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

This is an opportunity to take on a career-defining engineering role supporting the development and operation of a state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility. As the Process Expert Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for process design, implementation, optimization, and commissioning across complex manufacturing operations.

You will help establish the process engineering foundation for a new, highly automated manufacturing environment, driving efficiency, reliability, scalability, quality, and operational excellence from initial concept through production startup and ongoing improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Technical Leadership

• Lead the specification, development, design, and optimization of manufacturing processes to maximize efficiency, quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Provide expert technical guidance across process engineering activities, including raw material handling, mixing, molding, coating, extrusion, cooking, conveying, and related operations.
• Develop and implement process efficiency initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings and sustainable operational improvements.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve process-related issues using structured root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and improve production stability.
• Evaluate emerging processing equipment and technology solutions in partnership with R&D, Operations, and equipment suppliers.
• Establish and maintain process design standards, engineering criteria, and technical documentation.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead engineering projects from concept through execution, including scope definition, technical development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and implementation.
• Scope and execute engineering workstreams, production trials, process qualifications, and validation activities.
• Ensure new process solutions integrate effectively into manufacturing operations without adversely affecting production efficiency, scrap rates, throughput, quality, or reliability.
• Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up.
• Collaborate with project teams and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project delivery.
• Support equipment procurement, technical bid evaluations, supplier selection, design reviews, and approval of equipment submittals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Packaging, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Project Management teams.
• Provide technical leadership during process design, technology evaluations, equipment selection, commissioning, and production implementation.
• Develop and communicate process concepts and technical recommendations to stakeholders across multiple organizational levels.
• Coach and train plant operations personnel on process fundamentals, equipment functionality, and theory of operation.
• Continuously evaluate new technologies and manufacturing approaches to improve performance, flexibility, automation, and sustainability.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure manufacturing processes meet applicable health and safety, food safety, sanitary design, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve process flow, reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Support Food Safety, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Sustainability, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate consideration of HACCP, GMP, ISO, sanitary design, and other applicable food-industry standards throughout process development and implementation.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement throughout the facility lifecycle, from design through sustained operations.

Qualifications & Technical Expertise

Successful candidates will bring a strong combination of process engineering expertise, manufacturing experience, project leadership, and technical problem-solving capability.

Required or Preferred Experience

• Experience designing, constructing, commissioning, and/or operating sugar confectionery, chewing gum, snack, prepared food, food & beverage, or similar processing facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitary design, and applicable food-industry standards, practices, and regulations.
• Experience developing process design bases and selecting unit operations.
• Experience preparing mass and energy balances,