Process Design Engineer - Food & Beverage

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Design Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to design, develop and optimize food processing systems and production lines.

You will translate concepts into safe, efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements. A strong background in process engineering and the food & beverage sector is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design and development within the food and beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of unit operations common in food processing (e.g., mixing, heating, cooling, separation, packaging).
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) and CAD software.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer new processing lines and equipment for food and beverage production, from concept to commissioning.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials to validate process designs and optimize parameters.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams to meet product specs and regulatory requirements.
• Perform process simulations and calculations to ensure efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Specify and select processing equipment for optimal performance.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Troubleshoot process issues on the production floor and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement SOPs and operator training for new processes.
• Ensure designs comply with food safety standards (HACCP, FSSC 22000) and health and safety regulations.

Skills

Process design

Food processing

Process simulation

CAD

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering / Food Engineering / Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

AutoCAD / CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading and innovative food and beverage manufacturer located in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, is seeking a talented Process Design Engineer. This role is crucial for the design, development, and optimization of new and existing food processing systems and production lines. You will be responsible for translating conceptual ideas into functional, efficient, and safe manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in process engineering, coupled with specific knowledge of the food and beverage industry. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the creation of cutting-edge food production technologies within a dynamic and growing company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer new processing lines and equipment for food and beverage production, from concept to commissioning.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials to validate process designs and optimize parameters.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams to ensure process designs meet product specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Perform process simulations and calculations to ensure efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Specify and select processing equipment, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process issues on the production floor, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operator training for new processes.
• Ensure all process designs comply with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, FSSC 22000) and relevant health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design and development, specifically within the food and beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of unit operations common in food processing (e.g., mixing, heating, cooling, separation, packaging).
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) and CAD software.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, GMP, HACCP, and other relevant industry standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Must be willing to work full-time at our **Stellenbosch, Western Cape** facility.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
• Generous provision for professional development, including industry conferences and training.
• Opportunity to work on innovative product development and process improvements.
• Access to modern laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Employee wellness programs and a positive work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading food manufacturer.