Sr. Process Engineer- Liquid and Cheese

Kovalus Separation Solutions; Willmar (MN); Hybrid; USD 111,621 - 151,017; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance options

401K with company match

Flexible spending accounts

Paid holidays and vacation time

Educational assistance program

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions provider is looking for an experienced engineer in Willmar, MN. This role involves applying engineering principles to optimize food and dairy processing systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting projects from concept to completion. The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience in the dairy process industry. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the sanitary dairy process industry.
• Strong knowledge of liquid process system design, including mass and heat transfer.
• Familiarity with industry standards (3-A, ASME, FDA, USDA).

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to design and support food processing systems.
• Collaborate with various teams for project execution.
• Analyze operational data to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, bio-systems, or electrical engineering

Job description

Reports To: Cheese Group Process Engineering Manager

Location: Stratford, WI or Willmar, MN (Onsite/Hybrid/Remote)

Status: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation: $111,621-$151,017

Position Overview

This position will apply engineering principles to design, analyze, optimize, and support industrial food and dairy processing systems. The role supports liquid and cheese projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup, working closely with customers, regulation authorities, sales, project management, mechanical design, automation, manufacturing, and field teams.

Responsibilities

Sales Support

• Audit and process reviews of customers’ existing process lines


• Collaborate on conceptual design of cheese process according to customer requirements


• Interpretation and advising on customer information and the influence of these input parameters on engineered solutions (ex. product rates, utilities available, product mix)


• Support proposal development with technical input, equipment sizing estimations, high level process flow diagrams (PFDs), process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)


• Assist sales team with on-site and remote customer meetings for equipment and solutions presentations and discussions


• Review proposals prior to delivery to customers

Process Design And Engineering

• Prepare detailed calculations for mass and energy balances, heat transfer for both production and CIP


• Collaborate with other engineers and equipment vendors to specify process equipment such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, piping systems


• Prepare technical documentation including complete P&IDs, process descriptions, and specifications for use in project execution


• Prepare components lists for procurement

Project Support and Execution

• Support fabrication reviews, automation reviews, and factory acceptance testing (FAT)


• Collaborate with project engineers, automation engineers, installation technicians, and contractors to ensure installation meets design specifications


• Assist with plant teams and governing regulators to assemble required documentation and complete testing (HTST timing, system design specs, product quality safeguards, personnel safety)


• Lead commissioning, startup, and performance verification at customer sites


• Troubleshoot process and equipment performance issues


• Assist with training for operators, maintenance technicians, and customer technical teams


• Maintain lessons‑learned to apply to future projects

Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement

• Analyze operational data to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality


• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions


• Support standardization and best engineering practices

Other Duties

• Assist after‑sales team and customers with inquiries, issues, warranties, upgrades as needed


• On request, give technological support and advice to coworkers in the organization and/or customer’s organization


• Attend relevant continuing education classes (i.e. CDR classes, equipment training)


• Attend industry events (e.g. Cheese Con, WCMA events)


• Other projects as assigned by supervisor

Travel

• Anticipate 20-30% travel required, including client site visits during pre‑sales, project kick‑off, occasional visit during installation as needed, commissioning, periodic trade shows. Potential for international travel 1-2 times per year.

Skills / Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in chemical, mechanical, bio-systems, or electrical engineering required


• Must have 5+ years’ experience in the sanitary dairy process industry and a working knowledge of liquid process system design, including mass and heat transfer calculations, piping system flow/pressure calculations, pump/valve/line sizing


• Familiarity with industry standards (3-A, ASME, FDA, USDA)


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams

Kovalues

• CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our decisions and actions are aligned with client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.


• INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE: Establishes trust and credibility, ensuring that actions and communications are transparent and ethical. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.


• TEAMWORK: Foster collaboration and efficiency, leading to innovative solutions and a supportive work environment.


• HUMILITY & RESPECT: Build a positive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a respectful workplace.


• ENTREPRENEURIAL: Eliminate bureaucracy and non‑value‑added processes. Encourage innovation, promote a sense of urgency, and identify and promote our competitive advantage.

Benefits Summary

Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (4 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision insurances; 401K (match & fixed company contribution); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short‑term policy is company paid & long‑term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time; sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave. All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.