R&D Process Engineer

Summary/Objective- The R&D Process Engineer is responsible for researching, developing, and optimizing food products and processes to enhance palatability, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The engineer collaborates with food scientists, QA, marketing and manufacturing teams, suppliers, and cross-functional departments to introduce new products & processes, improve existing products & processes, and ensure consistency in production. Additionally, staying abreast of industry trends, customer preferences, and regulatory requirements is crucial for success in this role.

Essential Functions

· Work closely with all product developers / food scientists on formulation requirement to ensure new formulation can function properly at manufacturing plants.

· Understand the core processes and master knowledge and skills concerning the mechanical, engineering, and process transformations to improve business results.

· Evaluate food processing and storage operations and assist in the development of quality assurance programs for such operations.

· Understand statistical process control and possess the ability to measure and understand process capability for manufacturing performance on multiple lines.

· Collaborate with food scientists to establish proper equipment and processes for all desired applications. Establish process settings and potential upgrading proposals for innovation & renovation launches.

· Collaborate with food scientists regarding the most recent technological developments in application and process; responsible for identifying and validating new processes, equipment, measurement tools, and methods to enable innovation and renovation agenda.

· Actively seeks discovery of projects to improve cost, quality, and safety through the application of engineering knowledge, discussion with the production team, and trial work.

· Maintain accurate records of recipes, processes, and quality control measures to facilitate consistent production.

· Constantly do benchmarks of competition’s similar products, to explore attributes and characteristics we are competing against and evaluate/search for ways to be on top of them.

· Stay informed about food trends, competitor offerings, and industry developments to drive continuous improvement.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Must be detailed-oriented.

Must be able to effectively communicate every caliber of employee.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to food scents, some food allergens, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is required climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Hours and days of work varied depending on shift and production demands.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's in science and/or engineering with 2-4 years prior experience required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be authorized to work in the US.

AAP/EEO Statement

NPIC is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, genetic information or any other category protected by local, state, or federal law.