Process Engineer

Job SummaryThe Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and scaling up manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across dairy and plant-based beverage and yogurt production lines. This role partners with Operations, QFS, R&I, and Engineering to deliver safe, cost-effective, consumer preferred and scalable processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesProcess Optimization & Industrial Scale-upMonitor and optimize unit operations such asBatchingPasteurization / UHT processingHomogenizationFermentation (yogurt, cultured products)FillingEquipment controls and automationCo-lead new process development & validation together with R&I PD leads & Ops EngineeringIdentify process bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvementsSupport line trials, scale-ups, and product commercialization activitiesContinuous ImprovementLead or support Lean / Six Sigma initiatives (waste, yield, downtime, process capability)Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on production issuesDrive OEE improvement projectsDevelop and maintain industrial trial reports, SOPs, etc. Quality & Food SafetyEnsure compliance withGMPs, HACCP, and food safety plansPasteurization and thermal validation requirementsPartner with QFS to resolve deviations and maintain regulatory compliance and deliver against consumer key criteria elementsEquipment & Capital ProjectsTroubleshoot processing equipment (tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, fillers) during new process design and scale-upSupport design, commissioning, and startup of new equipment at both Pilot and Industrial sitesWork with vendors and contractors during capital projects for both Pilot plant and Industrial scaleProject Management of capital projects being implemented in Pilot PlantCross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate withR&I on new product scale-up and experimental designPilot Operations on scale-upOccasionally provide technical training to operators and supervisorsProcess Equipment SMEPhysical Demands & Work EnvironmentThis role is primarily performed in a hybrid Manufacturing/ Office environment. This role will spend significant time in pilot and industrial environments. The employee may experience longer periods of time spent on their feet. The employee may be exposed to moderate levels of noise from plant equipment. The environment can be wet and with elevated temperatures at times.The employee will be asked to travel to support the scale up and commercialization of products from Pilot to Industrial scale. (approx. 40-50% travel)
The salary range for this position is $82,000-118,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.
This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.
About YouThe ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteriaEducation & ExperienceMust HaveBachelor’s Degree or higher in Chemical/Process engineering, Food Engineering or related field1-5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experienceExperience in CPG, food, or beverage manufacturingPreferredKnowledge of thermal processing (HTST/UHT)Exposure to aseptic/ ESL processing and/ or packagingExperience withDairy processing (milk, cream, yogurt)Plant Based Beverages (almond, oat, coconut, soy)Fermentation systemsMembrane filtration expertise a plusKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong understanding ofFluid flow, heat transfer, shear rates and mass balanceCIP and Sanitation systemsPLC/SCADACADMES or manufacturing data systemsData analysis skills (excel, Minitab, Power BI, Historian trending)Statistical Process control (SPC)Understanding of ingredient variability (e.g. plant vs dairy proteins)Experience dealing withViscosity differences in different product matricesIngredient functionality (e.g stabilizers, emulsifiers) and shelf-life considerationsFermentation cycles
About usLife at DanoneWith approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.”Learn more about Life at Danone
Our BrandsWhen you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.
Our PurposeWe’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.Learn more about our mission.
Our BenefitsOur commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees.Physical Wellbeing We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.Mental Wellbeing Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.Financial Support We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.Family Care We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance. Learn more about our benefits.
Equal Opportunity EmployerDanone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.California Data Privacy Law