Process Development Engineer I

Rich Products • Buffalo, NY

71d • $67,007 - $90,657

About The Position

The Process Development Engineer I will operate within the Science and Technology Center of Excellence (S&T CoE), as part of the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC) team. This role focuses on short- to mid-term projects and serves as the engineering technical lead on low to medium complexity initiatives involving process and product innovation, renovation, optimization, and cost savings across assigned product categories, such as Pizza, Bakery, Protein, Desserts and others. The Process Development Engineer I will support new or existing product and process 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 30% annually, dependent on project needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical/food/mechanical Engineer or related engineering field.
• Some experience (e.g., co-op, internship, or lab work) in food processing or product development.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including setting up design of experiments utilizing bench or pilot equipment.
• Basic understanding of food systems, ingredients, packaging, and processing interactions, experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Manual ability to operate various equipment such as lab and pilot plant equipment, stand for 6 or more hours during the day, and able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Solid interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and manage risks, changing priorities, and uncertainty with guidance.
• Solid PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), databases, statistical software, and ability to learn relevant tools (e.g., PLM).

Responsibilities

• Execute low to medium complexity process development activities from concept to commercialization.
• Follow established guidelines and protocol, scientific approach and statistical analysis, conduct process or product development research, plant trials, plant start-ups, sensory, shelf-life stability studies, capability studies, and specifications development.
• Support the study of process and equipment alternatives and Pilot Equipment Validation through Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Develop SOPs for laboratory and pilot Equipment.
• Consult with broader team to provide technical support to resolve low to medium complexity production and quality issues.
• Engage with internal and external centers of expertise, including industry tradeshows, equipment vendors, patent/literature searches, and open innovation platforms.
• Evaluate and integrate input from vendors, consultants, design groups, engineering teams, and packaging suppliers to identify potential solutions.
• Support an environment that fosters innovation by continually introducing ideas and product concepts for new products, quality improvements, and productivity.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health & financial benefits
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Family planning support
• Flexible work policy
• Associate resource groups
• Volunteering & community impact opportunities
• Holiday gatherings
• In-house taste tests

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree