Sr. Process Engineer

Actalent; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision

401(k)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee assistance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to design, optimize, and support fluid process systems in a clean manufacturing environment for food and beverage applications. You will lead design from concept through commissioning, driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with food safety and company standards.

You will develop PFDs/P&IDs, size equipment like CIP systems and pasteurizers, and create BOMs and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Minimum 3 years of experience with CIP systems, pasteurization, and hygienic design principles.
• Strong proficiency in process design and engineering, including development and interpretation of PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Hands-on experience designing fluid process systems and mechanical solutions using SolidWorks 3D or similar 3D CAD tools.
• Demonstrated ability to size and specify pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CIP systems, pasteurizers, and filtration units.
• Proven background in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies within a manufacturing or food and beverage environment.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis, process capability studies, and risk assessments.
• Ability to prepare RFQs, performance specifications, and vendor evaluations to support procurement decisions.
• Strong documentation skills, including development of SOPs, SSOPs, best practices, and technical manuals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass and energy balances for complex process systems.
• Design and lay out fluid process systems and mechanical solutions using SolidWorks 3D, aligning designs with customer process requirements and equipment needs.
• Size and specify process equipment such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CIP systems, pasteurizers, and filtration units to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Create detailed assembly drawings for manufacturing, including Bills of Materials (BOM), assembly documentation, revisions, and supporting engineering documents.
• Support process engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, from concept development through on-site installation, commissioning, and start-up testing.
• Prepare requests for quotation (RFQs), performance specifications, and vendor evaluations to support effective procurement and vendor selection.
• Ensure proper sizing, selection, and procurement of equipment, instrumentation, and services for each project, maintaining alignment with technical and commercial requirements.
• Evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, increase yield, and reduce costs through sound engineering and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective actions to restore performance and prevent recurrence.
• Perform process capability studies and risk assessments to validate system performance and support robust, reliable operations.
• Prepare and maintain accurate process documentation, including best practices, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and technical manuals.
• Develop troubleshooting guides and training materials to support operations and maintenance teams in sustaining equipment and process performance.
• Ensure that process designs and equipment comply with applicable food safety regulations, as well as customer and internal company standards.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Controls Engineering, both internally and externally, to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, sharing expertise in process design, continuous improvement, and hygienic design principles.

Skills

Process engineering

CFD

CIP systems

Hygienic design

SolidWorks

PFDs/P&IDs

Vendor evaluations

SOPs/SSOPs

Root cause analysis

Continuous improvement

Tools

SolidWorks 3D

Job description

Job Title: Senior Process EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on designing, optimizing, and supporting fluid process systems within a clean manufacturing environment, primarily serving food and beverage applications. You will lead process design from concept through commissioning, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure all systems meet stringent food safety and company standards. The position combines hands‑on engineering design, technical documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver robust, efficient, and compliant process solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass and energy balances for complex process systems.
• Design and lay out fluid process systems and mechanical solutions using SolidWorks 3D, aligning designs with customer process requirements and equipment needs.
• Size and specify process equipment such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CIP systems, pasteurizers, and filtration units to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Create detailed assembly drawings for manufacturing, including Bills of Materials (BOM), assembly documentation, revisions, and supporting engineering documents.
• Support process engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, from concept development through on‑site installation, commissioning, and start‑up testing.
• Prepare requests for quotation (RFQs), performance specifications, and vendor evaluations to support effective procurement and vendor selection.
• Ensure proper sizing, selection, and procurement of equipment, instrumentation, and services for each project, maintaining alignment with technical and commercial requirements.
• Evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, increase yield, and reduce costs through sound engineering and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective actions to restore performance and prevent recurrence.
• Perform process capability studies and risk assessments to validate system performance and support robust, reliable operations.
• Prepare and maintain accurate process documentation, including best practices, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and technical manuals.
• Develop troubleshooting guides and training materials to support operations and maintenance teams in sustaining equipment and process performance.
• Ensure that process designs and equipment comply with applicable food safety regulations, as well as customer and internal company standards.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Controls Engineering, both internally and externally, to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, sharing expertise in process design, continuous improvement, and hygienic design principles.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 8 years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Minimum 3 years of experience with CIP systems, pasteurization, and hygienic design principles.
• Strong proficiency in process design and engineering, including development and interpretation of PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Hands‑on experience designing fluid process systems and mechanical solutions using SolidWorks 3D or similar 3D CAD tools.
• Demonstrated ability to size and specify pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CIP systems, pasteurizers, and filtration units.
• Proven background in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies within a manufacturing or food and beverage environment.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis, process capability studies, and risk assessments.
• Ability to prepare RFQs, performance specifications, and vendor evaluations to support procurement decisions.
• Strong documentation skills, including development of SOPs, SSOPs, best practices, and technical manuals.
• Knowledge of food and beverage processing requirements and food safety compliance standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and provide technical leadership and mentorship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing engineering within food and beverage or related industries.
• background in continuous improvement, Six Sigma, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with assembly processes and supporting manufacturing operations.
• Ability to develop training and troubleshooting materials for operations and maintenance personnel.
• Comfort working with external partners and customers to understand process requirements and deliver tailored solutions.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean manufacturing environment that supports modern food and beverage processing operations. You will work with advanced process equipment and 3D design tools such as SolidWorks, collaborating closely with operations, quality, maintenance, and controls engineering teams. The facility offers a visually appealing setting, including an Oktoberfest-style patio and a cigar lounge, reflecting a culture that values both technical excellence and a welcoming atmosphere. The organization is expanding with new roles and is actively investing in process engineering capabilities, providing opportunities to influence standards, improve systems, and contribute to long‑term growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $53.00 - $63.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.