Senior Process Development Engineer

Purpose Statement

The Senior Process Development Engineer – Aseptic will operate within the Global Toppings, Creams, and Culinary Solutions Center of Excellence (TCCS COE), as part of the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC) team. This role focuses on short- to mid-term projects (1–3 year timeline) and serves as the engineering technical lead on high-complexity initiatives involving process and product innovation, renovation, optimization, and cost savings across assigned product categories. Emphasis is placed on UHT/Aseptic systems.

The Senior Engineer will support new product development, network standardization, and plant engineering optimization by researching, designing, developing, managing, and executing innovations in both individual equipment and complete process systems.

This role is based in Buffalo, NY with expected travel of up to 25% annually, dependent on project needs.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

Technology Development and Deployment

• Develops and applies new engineering methods and approaches.

• Leads the development and protection of intellectual property through patents or trade secrets.

• Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for product and unit operations, with a deep knowledge of current production process flow diagrams.

• Applies existing and emerging engineering/scientific knowledge to solve complex problems independently.

• Engages with internal and external centers of expertise, including industry tradeshows, equipment vendors, patent/literature searches, and open innovation platforms.

• Evaluates and integrates input from vendors, consultants, design groups, engineering teams, and packaging suppliers to identify potential solutions.

Leadership

• Acts as a technical mentor and resource for the category, championing ideas that align with strategic project goals.

• Leads and manages multiple independent and complex research and development projects.

• Coordinates cross-functional teams and communicates project progress to key stakeholders.

Communication & Influence

• Provides technical support to cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and external customers.

• Delivers presentations on new and existing products to category leadership and stakeholders.

• Offers technical leadership and contributes significantly to both product and process development initiatives.

Business Acumen

• Builds strong relationships with internal customers and stakeholders.

• Understands (internal & external) customer needs and pain points to develop timely, effective solutions.

• Develops and renovates solutions that meet financial objectives and improve profitability.

• Owns and supports the delivery of high-impact cost savings initiatives (ROCS).

Strategic Thinking

• Aligns project work with broader business strategy and understands the role’s impact on organizational goals.

• Serves as SME for current and future product and process capabilities, offering strategic product solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of industrial/applied research experience.

• Master’s degree in a related field with 3+ years of experience.

• Ph.D. in a relevant specialty with 2+ years of post-doctoral experience.

• A Strong record of accomplishment in product/process development or experimental design.

• Demonstrated experience in identifying and/or specifying equipment suitable for use in the production of FMCG products.

• Demonstrated experience in working directly with manufacturing facilities, and supporting with any production related issues.

Preferred Experience

• Engineering experience with dairy/non-dairy products and/or emulsion technology.

• Experience in process optimization and operational efficiency

• Strong research skills, including setting up design of experiments utilizing bench or pilot equipment and performing research individually or as part of a broader team.

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Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation capabilities.

• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• Demonstrated success in driving technological innovation and process improvements.

• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), databases, statistical software, and ability to learn relevant tools (e.g., PLM).