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Dairy Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Afton, MN ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... engineering team ... This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries.

Process Engineer

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... engineering team ... This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries.

Process Engineer

Cottage Grove, MN ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... engineering team ... This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries.

Process Engineer

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... engineering team ... This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries.

Process Engineer

Hastings, MN ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... engineering team ... This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries.

Process Engineer

Stillwater, MN ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... engineering team ... This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries.

Process Engineering Supervisor

Afton, MN ยท On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

... dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA ... In addition to executing Senior Process Engineer responsibilities, the Supervisor provides ...

New

Process Engineering Supervisor

Hastings, MN ยท On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

... dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA ... In addition to executing Senior Process Engineer responsibilities, the Supervisor provides ...

New

Process Engineering Supervisor

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

... dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA ... In addition to executing Senior Process Engineer responsibilities, the Supervisor provides ...

New

... dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA ... In addition to executing Senior Process Engineer responsibilities, the Supervisor provides ...

New

Process Engineering Supervisor

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

... dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA ... In addition to executing Senior Process Engineer responsibilities, the Supervisor provides ...

New

Process Engineering Supervisor

Stillwater, MN ยท On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

... dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA ... In addition to executing Senior Process Engineer responsibilities, the Supervisor provides ...

New

Staff Engineer - SME Membranes

Eden Prairie, MN ยท On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

We are looking for a Staff Engineer - SME Membrane Systems to join Agropur. Membrane Systems serves ... Strong understanding of dairy processing * Strong organizational and communication skills; ability ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dairy Process Engineer information

What does a dairy process engineer do?

A Dairy Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes involved in the production and processing of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. They work to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the manufacturing process by implementing new technologies and improving existing systems. Their duties may also include troubleshooting equipment, monitoring production lines, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Dairy Process Engineers play a crucial role in maintaining product quality and meeting industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dairy process engineer?

To thrive as a Dairy Process Engineer, you need a background in chemical, food, or dairy engineering, often with a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in process optimization. Familiarity with dairy processing equipment, automation systems like SCADA, and quality control standards such as HACCP is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant production processes in dairy manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges dairy process engineers face when optimizing production lines?

Dairy Process Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining product quality while increasing production efficiency. Managing variables such as temperature, pressure, and sanitation requirements is critical, as even minor deviations can impact taste, safety, and shelf life. Additionally, engineers must collaborate closely with quality assurance, maintenance, and operations teams to troubleshoot equipment issues and implement process improvements. Adapting to new technology and evolving food safety regulations also requires continuous learning and flexibility.

What is the difference between Dairy Process Engineer vs Dairy Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectDairy Process EngineerDairy Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Engineering, Dairy Science, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in Food Science, Dairy Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, process developmentQuality control labs, production lines, inspection areas
Industry UsageDesigning and optimizing dairy processing methodsMonitoring product quality, ensuring compliance with standards
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Dairy Process Engineer focuses on developing and improving dairy production processes, while the Dairy Quality Assurance Technician concentrates on maintaining product quality and safety. Both roles are essential in dairy manufacturing but serve different functions within the industry.

Are dairy process engineers in high demand?

Dairy process engineers are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for food safety, quality control, and process optimization in the dairy industry. Employment opportunities are often influenced by advancements in technology, automation, and industry regulations, making skills in process design and equipment management valuable.

How much does a dairy process engineer get paid?

A dairy process engineer typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience in the dairy industry.

What job categories do people searching Dairy Process Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Dairy Process Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Dairy Process Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Process Engineer

GEA

Afton, MN โ€ข On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, weโ€™re not just building equipment, weโ€™re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, located in Oakdale, MN, is searching for a mid-senior level Process Engineer to join our team! The Process Engineer will support sales, engineering, commissioning and optimization of GEA process systems in the Liquid, Fermentation, and Filling engineering team. This position is focused on liquid/fluid processing in the beverage, food, and dairy industries. The role includes designing and improving equipment configurations, process flows, and systems. The engineer will ensure that the processes developed meet or exceed GEA standards and customersโ€™ overall objectives. Process engineer is also responsible for the company's and clients' standards for quality, safety, and environmental compliance.

  • Participate in project phases from initial customer meetings through pre-award sales support, support cost estimation, proposal generation, engineering, commissioning, and optimization.
  • Responsible for specific technical areas of the project, ensuring adherence to design standards and optimization of designs to meet customer specifications within time, budget, and contract constraints.
  • Work collaboratively with project team to accomplish project milestones and goals.
  • Support identification and justification of scope changes, as it relates/impacts the process design over the full project life cycle.
  • Provide technical solutions that meet customer expectations and requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records of meetings, discussions, correspondence, and technical documents.
  • Develop Block Flow Diagrams (BFDs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and heat and mass balances.
  • Develop process equipment specification.
  • Specify and/or design utility consumptions.
  • Contribute to general arrangement of plot plant and elevation view drawings.
  • Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
  • Develop process & functional descriptions of operation.
  • Lead and facilitate software FAT. Confirm operation according to process description/ functional description (FDS).
  • Plan and implement test procedures and commissioning plans.
  • Provide technical support through troubleshooting to resolve customer concerns regarding equipment/system performance.
  • Complete plant audits.
  • Ensure compliance with government regulations, safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry standards such as sanitary requirements.
  • Support safety evaluations such as HAZOP meetings.
  • Collaborate with team members, technology centers, and GEA European Centers of Competence for technology improvements and successful project execution.
  • Coordinate with other disciplines to minimize deficiencies, errors, and omissions in project technical document and specifications.
  • Develop relationships with key technical stakeholders for process design & operation considerations.
  • Provide pre-sale and post-sale support including site evaluations, pilot trials, presentations, and training.
  • Technically evaluate third-party supplier proposals and equipment selections.
  • Work with customers in support of sales managers and build/maintain relationships.
  • Support commissioning activities on site.
  • Train customer personnel on GEA process systems during commissioning.
  • Provide ongoing troubleshooting support, train customer personnel, and report any process improvement initiatives.

Your Profile / Qualifications

  • Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, or similar related degree preferred
  • At least 2-10+ years of related industry experience.
  • Processing experience in the food, dairy, or beverage industry preferred.
  • Liquid Processing experience preferred.
  • Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Must possess strong interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Must be willing to travel approximately up to 50%, including international travel.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

  • Start strong โ€“ Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
  • Recharge and refresh โ€“ Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
  • Invest in your future โ€“ A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
  • Keep learning โ€“ Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
  • Live well โ€“ Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
  • Get support when you need it โ€“ Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
  • Save smart โ€“ Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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