Senior Thermal Processing Manager

Seneca Foods Corporation; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Seneca Foods Corporation in Janesville, Wisconsin, seeks a Senior Thermal Processing Manager to lead thermal process development and provide technical support for our manufacturing plants. The successful candidate will develop, validate, document, and file thermal processes for canned foods in compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.

The role combines laboratory research, process development, and plant support, and involves travel to Company facilities (~20%).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Engineering, Food Science, Food Microbiology, Biosystems Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in thermal processing or 10+ years working with multiple processing technologies (In-Container Sterilization & Aseptic Processing).
• Experience with validating, documenting and filing thermal processes for canned foods.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations governing low-acid and acidified canned foods and filing scheduled processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct heat penetration and temperature distribution studies to support thermal processes.
• Establish thermal processes using CALSoft and NumeriCAL.
• Evaluate process deviations and recommend product disposition.
• Lead laboratory-based thermal processing research and development initiatives.
• Serve as SME for thermal processing and commercial sterilization.
• Train and mentor technical and operations personnel on thermal processing principles.
• File scheduled process with FDA and maintain required documentation.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD in Food Engineering, Food Science, Food Microbiology, Biosystems Engineering, or related field

Tools

CALSoft

NumeriCAL

Job description

Seneca Foods Corporation

Job Title: Senior Thermal Processing Manager

Location: Janesville, Wisconsin

Company: Seneca Foods, a Leading Food Processing Corporation

We are seeking a Senior Thermal Processing Manager to lead thermal process development and technical support for our manufacturing plants.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in development, validating, documenting, and filing thermal processes for canned food products in compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Thermal Process Development & Validation

• Design, and conduct heat penetration and temperature distribution studies required to support thermal processes.
• Establish thermal processes using calculation software such as CALSoft and NumeriCAL.
• Evaluate process deviations and recommend appropriate product disposition.

Research & Technical Leadership

• Lead laboratory-based thermal processing research and product/process development initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for thermal processing and commercial sterilization.
• Train and mentor technical and operations personnel on thermal processing principles.

Canning Regulations

• Working knowledge of FDA Regulations governing low-acid and acidified canned foods including 21 CFR 11, 108, 113, 114, 117.
• File scheduled process with FDA and maintain required support documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD in Food Engineering, Food Science, Food Microbiology, Biosystems Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in thermal processing or 10+ years of experience working with multiple processing technologies related to In-Container Sterilization and Aseptic Processing and Packaging System.

Work Environment & Travel

• The job combines laboratory research, process development, and manufacturing plant support activities.
• Partner with Seneca manufacturing facilities to improve process reliability, efficiency, and product safety and quality.
• This role is based in our Janesville, WI location and is not eligible for remote work.
• Approximately 20% travel to Company facilities is required.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the food industry.
• Commitment to innovation and professional development.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.