Job Description

Responsibilities:

Provide technical support to product research and development for the scale up of new and existing products and processes by designing and leading small to medium size complex experiments, often with multiple variables, gathering data and performing preliminary analysis, reporting findings, and preparing and communicating recommendations and respective action plans. Support plant trials and first lot to stock batches of new and reformulated products by providing process flow diagrams, manufacturing direction reviews, and on-site trouble-shooting. Independently performs analysis and feasibility studies related to project alternatives and reviews proposed manufacturing scenarios for new products early to determine manufacturability, cost, and schedule issues. Provide technical expertise through problem solving/troubleshooting and support to domestic and contract manufacturing operations. Assess contract manufacturing facilities for their ability to manufacture products and provide recommendations for process upgrades if required. Anticipates future directions and challenges. Benchmarks internally and externally, recognizes changes in the current environment and identifies indicators of future problems and opportunities and then prepares for such eventualities.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master's degree in Chemical engineering, Dairy Engineering or Food engineering. A technical background involving nutritional and food manufacturing processes with emphasis in spray drying, evaporation, and dry blending but also including agitation, liquid heat treatment and homogenization. Adaptable to work on a variety of projects from engineering design to product research and development. Interest in or knowledge of the impact of processing parameters on finished product quality. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on cross functional teams. Ability to analyze test results and process information to determine solutions to production and quality issues. * Preferred computer skills include MS Office applications, AutoCad, process modeling/simulation programs, OSI PI Processbook, Qualtrend, LIMS, and QDMS. Familiarity with food and infant formula regulations and standards for quality desired.