Aseptic Process Engineer

Position Summary

This role provides specialized technical expertise in aseptic liquid processing and packaging within a large-scale food and beverage manufacturing environment. The engineer ensures that production systems operate safely, efficiently, and with consistent quality while supporting the organization's broader goals related to operational excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The position requires a strong commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards.

The individual in this role acts as a subject matter expert in aseptic processes, offering guidance to cross‑functional teams, participating in the development of new products, and enhancing existing production systems. Success in this role requires strong engineering knowledge, problem‑solving abilities, a collaborative mindset, and adherence to core values such as integrity, professionalism, respect, inclusion, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and evolution of the organization's aseptic manufacturing strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and industry standards.
• Develop comprehensive engineering and design specifications for a wide variety of aseptically processed food and beverage products, including items with varying viscosity and composition.
• Optimize and troubleshoot existing production lines to increase throughput, enhance safety, improve product quality, and minimize waste.
• Create conceptual designs for processing and packaging solutions that support new product initiatives or improvements to current offerings.
• Manage multiple simultaneous projects, including budget planning, equipment specification, scheduling, and coordination with vendors or internal teams.
• Research, assess, and recommend relevant technologies or equipment upgrades that enhance operational capability or efficiency.
• Conduct detailed process evaluations, feasibility assessments, and cost‑benefit analyses for proposed improvements or system changes.
• Participate in training events, trade shows, and technical conferences to stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in aseptic processing.
• Incorporate occupational safety, food safety, and regulatory requirements into every design and operational decision.
• Maintain an active understanding of applicable engineering codes, compliance standards, and regulatory guidelines at local, state, and federal levels.
• Support food safety and quality management systems, including internal audits, documentation, and improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate an ability to meet essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• At least six years of progressive engineering experience within food or beverage manufacturing, including dairy or similar product categories.
• Minimum of three years of hands‑on experience in aseptic dairy or liquid processing.
• Strong communication abilities, both verbal and written, suitable for cross‑functional collaboration and technical documentation.
• Expertise in aseptic technology, packaging systems, and hygienic engineering principles.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex engineering projects from conception through completion.
• Proficiency with standard office software and familiarity with project scheduling tools.
• Ability to travel frequently, including extended periods at various manufacturing sites.

Preferred Background

• Previous experience in large‑scale food manufacturing operations, preferably involving dairy, juice, or beverage products.
• Familiarity with additional processing technologies such as extended shelf‑life systems, ultra‑clean processes, or hot‑fill systems.
• Experience managing capital projects, with exposure to high‑budget technical initiatives.

Career Path Opportunities

• Senior Aseptic Process Engineer
• Project Engineer or Engineering Project Manager