R&D Process Engineer

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world. We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

Scope:

The R&D Process Engineer will lead and support product innovation projects, product renovation projects, and process improvement projects for the company. Key categories will include protein and nutrition beverages, creamers, non-nutritive sweeteners, liquid water enhancers, liquid concentrates, tea beverages, coffee products, flavored drinks and may include vertical integration of ingredients. Within these categories include the following processing technologies: Liquid Blending, Pasteurization and sterilization, Aseptic Bottling, Hot Filling, Spray Drying, and Dry Blending. The duties in this position are expected to evolve over time as a result of the company’s growth and expansion into new technologies.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Supports product development projects (innovation /renovation) with a focus on optimizing the process design and technical transfer to operations. 
• Supports pilot and commercial scale up trials and monitors initial commercial productions.
• Develop process flow diagrams, P&IDs, mass balances and centerlines for new processes and products.
• Support capital project work as required to commercialize new products including equipment specification, vendor evaluation and class 5 (factored) capital estimates.
• Provides technical guidance on new projects to ensure processes and equipment are capable of meeting quality, food safety, and EHS requirements.
• Provides expertise and support for current and future processing equipment.
• Provides guidance to product developers on batching process instructions for manufacturing.
• Develops specifications for finished products with physical, chemical, and sensory properties. 
• Develops batching instructions and experimental plans for pilot plant and operations.
• Maintains relationships with equipment manufacturers to understand new and emerging technologies as well as improvement on existing technologies.
• Regularly collaborates with Operations and advises solutions for production issues.
• Identifies and implements solutions that improve performance of our production facilities.
• Follows GMP’s, maintains sanitary conditions, adheres to safe work practices and ensures that product quality is maintained.
• All other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines required. 
• Minimum of 3 years of food industry experience. Experience working with thermally processed products preferred.
• Working knowledge of thermal processing principles, aseptic processing, fluid dynamics and heat transfer as applied to food processing 
• Excellent analytical skills and understanding of statistical methodologies and experimental design (i.e. Six Sigma Green Belt)
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills for cross functional collaboration, proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading and writing English required.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and drive the opportunity to completion
• Comfortable working cross functionally and leading project teams 
• Computer literacy including competency with Microsoft Office and demonstrated ability to operate complex software programs required.
• Able work with light supervision and in a team environment. 
• Fast learner, flexible and willing to help where needed.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions 
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend 
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records 
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds