Process Engineer in Lathrop, California at Gehl Food & Beverage

Now Hiring: Process Engineer
Reports To: Engineering Manager
Salary Range: 110K - 130K

Why join our team?

• Full benefits package – medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match
• Generous PTO & holidays
• Growth opportunities to expand skillsets and enhance career
• Amazing team & culture focused on:

Communication | Community Involvement | Wellness | Employee Activities

Other Benefits & Programs We Offer:

• Referral bonus program
• Tuition reimbursement
• FSA Medical plan option with annual company contribution
• Perks at Work – discounts on shopping, travel & more
• Proven continued business growth for future opportunities

Position Overview

The Process Engineer leads process design, validation, and improvement initiatives in an aseptic manufacturing environment. This role develops process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, SOPs, and batch instructions, evaluates equipment and production capability, and supports plant operations, troubleshooting, and cost-reduction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs for pilot and commercial aseptic food production lines
• Create and manage project plans, schedules, and technical documentation
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records
• Lead equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and process validation programs
• Establish operating parameters and acceptable process ranges
• Evaluate manufacturing system capability for new and existing products
• Support new product development and customer product trials
• Troubleshoot processing and production performance issues
• Drive continuous improvement and yield optimization initiatives
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams
• Identify and implement cost-savings projects, new technologies, and equipment upgrades
• Develop ROI justifications and technical proposals for capital projects
• Assist in training operators and maintenance teams on equipment operation, sanitation, and maintenance
• Support pilot plant operations and scale-up from pilot to commercial production

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of food processing or food manufacturing experience
• Experience scaling processes from pilot plant to commercial production
• Working knowledge of aseptic processing and sanitary design principles
• Ability to create PFDs and P&IDs using CAD software
• Experience with PLC and HMI automation systems
• Knowledge of equipment sizing and specification for food processing equipment
• Experience writing technical documentation, operating instructions, and project proposals
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and CAD tools)
• Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations and customers
• Desire to learn and support continuous improvement initiatives