Process Engineer - UHT Operations

The Process Engineer is a key technical resource for Darigold’s retail facing operations - UHT, Aseptic, ESL, Culture and Fresh milk, responsible for improving process performance, reliability, efficiency and innovation in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.This role operates as a shared site resource, partnering with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and R&D to stabilize processes, lead trials and change, and convert data into sustainable improvements that protect food safety, quality, and cost. The ideal candidate brings strong floor presence, analytical rigor, and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to translate complex process behavior into practical solutions.What You Will DoSubject matter expert on UHT, Aseptic, ESL, Culture and HTST processing functions across product portfolios and cleaning matrices.Innovation Trials, Validation & Change ExecutionProvide support to Product Development on processing functions in conjunction with formulation to achieve intended finished product characteristics.Plan and execute process trials, line trials, and validations in partnership with PD, QA, OT and Operations.Provide technical leadership for process changes, ensuring risks are assessed, mitigated, and embedded.Support startup, scale-up, and post-trial stabilization to sustain improvements.Process Performance & OptimizationDrive improvements in yield, throughput, loss reduction, and process stability across B2C operations.Analyze process data, trends, and KPIs to identify constraints and prioritize improvement opportunities.Lead structured problem solving for chronic and complex process issues impacting safety, quality, or performance.Establish, monitor, and improve critical operating parameters and control strategies.Quality, Food Safety & ComplianceEnsure compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP, and aseptic requirements.Partner with Quality on investigations, product holds, and corrective actions.Support audits through strong technical process knowledge and documentation.Continuous Improvement & Capability BuildingProvide technical support to Processing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues.Translate operational challenges into measurable continuous-improvement initiatives.Apply SPC, trend analysis, Pareto, and RCA tools to eliminate variation.Provide training to operators on process control and process function.Provide technical support to Processing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues.Translate operational challenges into measurable continuous-improvement initiatives.Shared-Resource & Cross-Functional SupportServe as a flexible technical resource across the Darigold B2C network.Capital & Project SupportSupport capital projects, equipment modifications, commissioning, and operational acceptance.What You Will BringBachelor’s degree in chemical engineering required, Mechanical, Industrial, or related disciplines considered.5-7 years of experience in a manufacturing or process-driven environment.Proven experience improving process performance using data-driven methods.Experience supporting or leading process trials and technical change.Preferred QualificationsExperience in UHT, Aseptic, Culture, ESL, dairy, beverage, or regulated food manufacturing.Knowledge of CIP systems, thermal processing, and hygienic design.Lean / Six Sigma or demonstrated CI leadership experience.Key CompetenciesHands-on, floor-focused problem solvingData-driven decision makingStrong cross-functional collaborationStrong technical capability in process control systemsOwnership mindset for safety, quality, and resultsWorking EnvironmentManufacturing plant environment with frequent floor presence. Off‑shift or weekend support may be required during trials, startups, or critical issues. Up to 20% travel to support Darigold production network.Benefits Of Working At DarigoldWe understand that as an employee, the benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We are proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package – that includes: 401K with competitive employer matching Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits  Employer paid life & disability coverage   Paid time off and paid holidays  8 weeks (about 2 months) paid parental Leave   Education assistance   Employee assistance program  Our Commitment to Diversity Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment applicants offered a role will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish. #field1