Sr Engineering Aseptic Process Manager

Refresco Brand; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Holidays

Vacation & Sick Time

Discount Programs

Job summary

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is seeking an experienced Aseptic Process Engineer to lead process engineering across our North America network.

You will direct technicians, serve as SME for UHT/aseptic processing, and design piping and CIP/SIP systems with a focus on reliability and quality. Responsibilities include developing plant layouts, maintaining P&ID diagrams, and supporting installation, startup, and commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related).
• 3+ years of experience in process/manufacturing engineering; supervisory experience preferred.
• Aseptic/Dairy processing experience required, including UHT, homogenizers, separators, filtration, and sanitary practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead technicians and provide technical direction in aseptic/UHT processing.
• Serve as SME for thermal processes, product quality, and equipment reliability.
• Design piping systems for utilities, process lines, CIP/SIP, and ensure efficient layouts.
• Create and maintain P&ID drawings and engineering documentation.
• Assist in selecting pumps, valves, and equipment to optimize performance.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and support during start-ups and changes.
• Coordinate installation, startup, and commissioning with contractors and internal teams.
• Review vendor drawings and ensure compliance with specs and standards.
• Collaborate to improve line efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Source or recreate critical equipment components with vendors.
• Support preventive maintenance and spare parts coordination.
• Present technical updates in client meetings and project discussions.
• Identify and lead process improvements aligned with growth.

Skills

leadership

ownership

results focus

communication

integrity

adaptability

problem solving

customer focus

training needs assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related)

Tools

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

MS Office

Scanning/Point Cloud

PLC controls

Job description

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how wouldYOUput our drinks on every table?

Summary Description:

• Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Aseptic Process Engineering leads process engineering standards, and field execution across Refresco's North America manufacturing network. This role requires a deep understanding of Hot Fill, Cold Fill, and most importantly Aseptic/UHT processing unit operations, dairy manufacturing technologies, and packaging systems, along with hands-on experience in both design and start-up/operations. The Aseptic Process Engineering provides technical leadership and day-to-day directions to technicians, and serves as the subject matter expert for aseptic/UHT processing, thermal processes, equipment reliability, and maintenance program for the Aseptic lines.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead, mentor, and provide technical direction to technicians, including performance guidance.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in UHT/aseptic processing, covering thermal processes, product quality, and equipment reliability.
• Design and map out piping systems for utilities, process lines, and CIP (Clean-in-Place)/SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) systems, ensuring proper routing, sizing, and efficiency.
• Create, manage, and maintain P&ID drawings and engineering documentation, including plant, packaging, and process layouts, equipment specifications, and standards.
• Assist in selecting appropriate pumps, valves, and process equipment to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support to engineering, maintenance, and operations teams, including machine start-ups, cold starts, size/product changeovers, and cleaning/sterilization processes.
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning activities, coordinating with contractors, vendors, and internal teams to ensure accurate execution of designs; provide guidance to contractors and obtain necessary permits.
• Provide technical guidance to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and contractors, ensuring compliance with project specifications and company standards; review vendor drawings, specifications, and submittals.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to enhance production line efficiency, minimize bottlenecks, and reduce downtime.
• Partner with plant vendors to source or recreate critical equipment components, ensuring quality specifications are met and documented.
• Support preventive maintenance programs, lubrication schedules, and coordinate with plant/stores personnel on spare parts requirements.
• Provide technical expertise during client meetings, presentations, and project discussions to ensure alignment with expectations.
• Identify and lead process improvement and efficiency initiatives that align with business growth strategies.
• Ensure all repairs, installations, and maintenance activities are properly documented, permitted, and communicated to relevant stakeholders through to satisfactory resolution.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, ensuring safety guarding and protocols are properly in place following maintenance, repairs, or installations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, within the scope of training and capability.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of Aseptic processing unit operations, dairy manufacturing technologies, and CIP/SIP systems.
• Proficient in 2D and 3D CAD software (AutoCAD and Plant 3D preferred), MS Office, and scanning/point cloud technology for site assessment and design integration.
• Ability to develop conceptual process designs and capital cost estimates; determine equipment sizing, spacing, and utility requirements.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations for OEE, accumulation analysis, V-Curve generation, line staffing, and material flows.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and SOP principles, chemical handling, and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical maintenance, adjustments, and troubleshooting on processing equipment.
• Understanding of root cause analysis for contamination, quality, or equipment reliability issues.
• Capacity to understand people and business issues affecting the organization and how the business creates profit and value; ability to assess training and development needs.
• Leadership – Fosters a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust; leads courageously; inspires growth with a clear, ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
• Ownership – Eager to take ownership of responsibilities; thinks independently to excel in role and take ownership of challenges.
• Results Focus – Exhibits commitment to goals; proactive and resilient; consistently delivers results, takes initiative, overcomes obstacles, and manages multiple projects efficiently.
• Communication – Communicates effectively in verbal and written form across all levels; builds rapport, resolves conflicts, and provides clear direction to production staff and management.
• Technical / Attention to Detail – Maintains accurate, detailed records of process designs, inspections, and tests; strict adherence to sterile procedures, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance.
• Integrity – Committed to upholding high ethical and quality standards in all process engineering and aseptic activities.
• Adaptability – Able to adjust to changing production demands, sterile environment requirements, and process variations.
• Problem Solving – Breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box, takes action, and evaluates results.
• Customer Focus – Understands and meets the needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related field), or equivalent combination of apprenticeship training and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in process/manufacturing engineering; prior supervisory or team‑lead experience preferred.
• Aseptic/Dairy processing experience required, including UHT's, homogenizers, separators, filtration plants, mixproof valves, motors, and pumps.
• Experience with Food and Beverage manufacturing; exposure to food safety and sanitary best practices.
• Preferable to have experience with filling, sealing, and packaging equipment used in aseptic production.
• Understanding of PLC and logic controls for manufacturing equipment preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Work Schedule: Primarily weekdays; some weekends, evenings, or overnight coverage may be required to support production changeovers, start‑ups, or urgent troubleshooting. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Work Environment: A combination of office/design work and fast‑paced production plant environments with numerous moving parts. Plant noise levels require hearing protection, and temperatures can be hot and/or relatively cold.
• Visual/Sensory: This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress: There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy, or similar demands.

Travel Requirements:

• up to 20%, across North America manufacturing sites.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership within the business, and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team. Joining our team as a people manager means you’ll be encouraged to evolve as a leader who prioritizes the success of both you and your team, to deliver results, whilst bringing your authentic self to work.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:

• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time OffDays
• Discount and Total Reward Programs

Join Refresco TODAYand enjoy a rewarding CAREER!

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.