Sanitation Process Engineer

Mondelēz International•Chicago, IL

5d•$77,600 - $106,700•Onsite

About The Position

As part of the site Quality Team, you will serve as the technical expert driving sanitation process optimization, equipment cleanability improvements, SSOP development, and cleaning validation. You will play a key role in strengthening the technical foundations of our sanitation and GMP systems, ensuring programs are scientifically sound, efficient, and effective. You will combine sanitation engineering expertise with strong problem-solving skills to analyze sanitation losses, investigate sanitation failures, and support hygienic design improvements. You will also work closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to eliminate systemic barriers to cleaning, improve verification systems, and support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through improved sanitation conditions and structures. In this role, you will build capability across sanitation teams by simplifying technical concepts, developing clear SSOPs, and supporting training that drives consistent sanitation outcomes, ensuring safe, high-quality production every day.

Requirements

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify root causes of sanitation issues and implement corrective actions.
Knowledge of zoning, environmental monitoring, and sanitation practices within food manufacturing environments.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Maintenance, and Utilities).
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to educate and influence teams on sanitation best practices.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage projects with minimal direction.
Minimum 3 years of experience in sanitation, quality, engineering, or technical roles in food manufacturing.
Strong technical knowledge of cleanability design, equipment sanitation, validation, and SSOP development.
Familiarity with continuous improvement tools (IL6S, AM/PM pillars, Lean/Six Sigma concepts).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Microbiology, or related field preferred
Additional certifications in sanitation, hygienic design, or CIP systems are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead sanitation process improvements such as cycle-time reduction, cleanability enhancements, wet-to-dry optimization, and allergen/PEM risk reduction.
Conduct root-cause investigations into sanitation failures (ATP, micro, allergen, FM, repeat issues) and implement engineered corrective actions.
Own sanitation validation programs, including protocol development, verification methods, documentation, and revalidation triggers.
Develop and optimize SSOPs for complex or high-risk equipment, ensuring clarity and effectiveness.
Partner with Engineering on hygienic design reviews, equipment modifications, and capital improvements to reduce sanitation and pest risks.
Analyze sanitation loss intelligence (pre-op delays, ATP failures, micro trends) and develop glidepaths for improvement.
Build sanitation capability by training supervisors and crew on cleanability, chemicals, troubleshooting, and validation concepts.
Analyze IPM data to identify sanitation or structural drivers of pest activity and implement long-term corrective actions.
Provide technical support to supervisors during sanitation execution.
Monitor sanitation and IPM KPIs and support structured problem solving with Operations and Maintenance.