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Assistant Process Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cuisine Solutions

Senior Process Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Department: Maintenance / Engineering Reports To: This position typically ... * Assist with capital planning and execution, including project scope development, budget ...

Cuisine Solutions

Senior Process Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Department: Maintenance / Engineering Reports To: This position typically ... Assist with capital planning and execution, including project scope development, budget management ...

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Cuisine Solutions

Senior Process Engineer

Sterling, VA

$105K - $135K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Department: Maintenance / Engineering Reports To: This position typically ... * Assist with capital planning and execution, including project scope development, budget ...

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How much do assistant process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant process engineer in Ashburn, VA is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant process engineer?

To thrive as an Assistant Process Engineer, a solid background in chemical or process engineering, analytical problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree are essential. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or AutoCAD), data analysis tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and attention to detail help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient process optimization, safe operations, and successful collaboration within engineering teams.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant process engineers, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Assistant Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, troubleshooting unexpected process inefficiencies, and balancing multiple tasks under tight deadlines. To navigate these obstacles, it's important to develop strong problem-solving skills, maintain clear communication with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, and stay organized through effective time management. Proactively seeking feedback and learning from experienced colleagues can also help in building confidence and technical expertise, paving the way for career progression.

What is the difference between Assistant Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectAssistant Process EngineerProcess Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, some certificationsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentSupportive, entry-level, team-basedMore autonomous, project management responsibilities
ResponsibilitiesAssist in process design, data collection, troubleshootingDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes

Assistant Process Engineers typically support process development and troubleshooting under supervision, while Process Engineers take on more independent responsibilities in designing and optimizing processes. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Process Engineers usually have more experience and autonomy in their tasks.

How much does an assistant process engineer get paid?

The average salary for an assistant process engineer typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Benefits often include health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

What does an assistant process engineer do?

An assistant process engineer supports the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing or chemical processes. They assist in data collection, process troubleshooting, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met, often using tools like process simulation software. This role typically requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of engineering principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Process Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Assistant Process Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Process Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Process Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

Assistant Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Process Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,184 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Sterling, VA • On-site

Cuisine Solutions
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Cuisine Solutionsexternal

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Process Engineer
Department: Maintenance / Engineering
Reports To: This position typically reports to the President of Engineering and the Vice President of Engineering and serves as a key member of the site leadership team. The role works closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Sanitation, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, vendors, contractors, and external regulatory or auditing partners. This Position does not have any direct reports.
Job Summary: The Director of Engineering provides strategic and hands-on leadership for all engineering, maintenance, reliability, automation, utilities, facilities, and capital project activities within a sous vide food manufacturing environment. This role ensures that plant equipment, infrastructure, and technical systems support safe, compliant, efficient, and high-quality production of refrigerated and ready-to-eat food products. The Director partners closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Sanitation, Supply Chain, Finance, and Executive Leadership to drive equipment reliability, production uptime, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and long-term manufacturing capability.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the plant engineering strategy to improve safety, quality, food safety, throughput, labor efficiency, equipment uptime, sanitation effectiveness, and cost performance.
  • Assist with capital planning and execution, including project scope development, budget management, vendor selection, contractor oversight, installation, commissioning, startup, and post-project performance validation.
  • Provide technical leadership for sous vide processing systems, cook tanks, chill systems, vacuum packaging equipment, boilers, refrigeration, compressed air, water systems, wastewater systems, conveyors, automation, controls, PLCs, HMIs, and facility infrastructure.
  • Partner with Quality Assurance and Food Safety to ensure engineering practices support HACCP, GMP, GFSI/SQF or BRC requirements, USDA/FDA expectations as applicable, allergen controls, sanitation design, hygienic zoning, environmental monitoring, and food defense programs.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using root cause analysis, 5-Why, A3, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, standard work, and data-driven problem solving.
  • Ensure all engineering and maintenance activities comply with OSHA, LOTO, electrical safety, ammonia or refrigeration safety requirements where applicable, environmental regulations, company safety standards, and local building codes.
  • Lead the engineering, maintenance, reliability, facilities, utilities, and automation functions for a high-volume sous vide food manufacturing plant.

  • Build, coach, and develop a high-performing technical team, including maintenance managers, engineers, supervisors, planners, technicians, controls specialists, and project resources.
  • Manage engineering and maintenance budgets, capital expenditures, contractor spend, utilities usage, MRO inventory, and cost-reduction initiatives.
  • Support new product introductions, line extensions, process validations, packaging changes, capacity expansions, and automation improvements.
  • Establish engineering standards, project management practices, sanitation-ready equipment design expectations, documentation controls, and technical training programs.
  • Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, providing clear communication, risk assessments, project updates, and technical recommendations to senior leadership.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 15 or more years of progressive engineering, maintenance, reliability, or technical operations experience in food manufacturing, refrigerated foods, ready-to-eat foods, protein processing, sous vide, aseptic, pharmaceutical, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
  • 7 or more years of leadership experience managing engineering, maintenance, reliability, automation, or facilities teams in a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
  • Demonstrated experience leading capital projects, plant expansions, equipment installations, automation upgrades, and commissioning activities.
  • Strong knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance, CMMS systems, maintenance planning, reliability-centered maintenance, root cause analysis, and spare parts management.
  • Working knowledge of food safety and regulatory programs, including HACCP, GMPs, sanitation design, allergen control, environmental monitoring, GFSI standards such as SQF or BRC, and OSHA requirements.
  • Experience with refrigeration, boilers, thermal processing, chilled water systems, vacuum packaging, cook/chill operations, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, conveyors, utilities, and plant infrastructure required.
  • Strong financial acumen, including budget preparation, capital justification, return-on-investment analysis, vendor management, and cost control.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements:
  • Work is performed in both office and food manufacturing plant environments, including refrigerated, wet, hot, and high-noise production areas.
  • Must be able to regularly walk production floors, access equipment areas, inspect utilities and mechanical spaces, and respond to operational issues.
  • Will require availability outside normal business hours to support plant operations, critical downtime events, project installations, audits, inspections, or emergency response needs.
  • Travel required: 40-60% as needed.
  • Must comply with all company safety, food safety, GMP, personal protective equipment, and sanitation requirements.

Competencies:
  • Strategic thinker who can translate business goals into practical engineering priorities.
  • Hands-on technical leader comfortable working on the plant floor and engaging directly with equipment, technicians, operators, and supervisors.
  • Strong change leader with the ability to build structure, accountability, and consistency in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Collaborative partner who can balance production needs, food safety requirements, capital constraints, and long-term reliability goals.
  • Data-driven decision maker with a focus on measurable improvements in safety, uptime, quality, yield, labor efficiency, utilities usage, and maintenance cost.
  • Experience with ROI capitol analysis, Standardized subcontractor RFQ, Technical OEM approval drawing reviews, OEM FAT & PAT.
  • Subcontractor competitive bid review and analysis.
  • Standardizing plant material selection and means and methods for equipment install.
  • Ability to read and interrupt PFD, P&ID, ISO and DWG drawings. Working Knowledge of AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Procore, Microsoft Excell, Project and other software as required.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with experience standardizing processes and developing technical talent.

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