Job Information
Dairy Farmers of America Process Technologist/ Process Engineer- Cheese and Concentrates in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
Position : Process Technologist/ Process Engineer- Cheese and Concentrates
Location : New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
Requisition ID: : 23511
Under direction of the Plant Manager, conduct process related initiatives in support of the manufacturing plant. Be responsible for the optimization and innovation of products and processes, including the commercialization of new products and the maintenance of existing products and processes. Support other plants in the area based on priority. Provide technical support to cross functional teams working on (strategic) capital projects.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Execute process improvement initiatives related to cheese and concentrate making and its related processes. Focus on product quality, formulation management, yield improvement and reduction of losses
Build collaborative relationship with research and development (R&D) scientists and the Technical Services team.. Understand production processes and flag any potential problems to R&D scientist at early development states
Scale-up line extension products (e.g., process modifications, alternate packaging, enhanced functional properties)
Scale-up production runs of new products, new processes as handed off by R&D
Develop written instructions for scale-up trials to be handed off to operations teams
Finalize product documentation including specifications
Assist in asset evaluation
Assist in mass balance verification related to strategic projects
Validate new equipment/process during new equipment installation/commissioning
Maintain products and processes including secondary ingredient supplier validation
Identify rework opportunities and acceptable usage levels
Identify and validate alternate ingredients
Identify and implement cost savings related to process, materials, and packaging
Identify and implement yield improvements
Identify and commission alternate asset utilization
Utilize analytical skills to collect and analyze data from multiple sources
Exhibit flexibility and adaptability with scheduling and travel when working on multiple projects
Provide routine verbal and written updates on status of projects and initiatives
Actively promote safe work behaviors and hold oneself accountable for following safety rules and regulations
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
Education and Experience:
B.S. / B.A. in Food Science or related field; advanced degree preferred
Dairy products manufacturing experience, with emphasis on cheese making, HTST systems and Fermentations are a plus; 3+ years preferred
Training or experience with continuous improvement fundamentals
Certification and/or License – N/A
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In-depth understanding of food chemistry, microbiology and dairy processing
In-depth understanding of plant operations and manufacturing processes, including Cheese Making , Fermentation and Dry Blending systems.
Ability to utilize Data Capture Programs with which to improve various manufacturing processes.
Have the Ability to utilize Data Based systems to drive Continuous Improvement through the various Manufacturing Systems we employ.
Knowledge of laboratory methods and full understanding of process and formulation on food safety
Ability to effectively use laboratory and pilot plant scale equipment
Ability to effectively solve problems and make decisions
Ability to work in a team environment but can also work independently with minimal supervision
Strong written and verbal communication and influencing skills
Desire to continually learn and improve skills and knowledge level
Knowledge of project management tools and techniques
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize and plan work
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI, and SharePoint
Flexibility to travel up to 50% of time (25-30% normal)
Knowledge of SAP and OpenText, preferred
Must be able to read, write and speak English
Travel: 25% - 50% (up to 1 -2 weeks per month)
An Equal Opportunity Employer