Dairy Process Engineer

$90,259 - $135,388/Yr

Darigold - Pasco, WA

Full-time

Pasco, WA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

Darigold is looking for a Dairy Process Engineer. This position will act as a Project Manager and will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the startup phase for our new dairy process facility. This role ensures that all aspects of the startup process are managed efficiently, safely, and within budget. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management, and dairy processing, and a strong understanding of engineering principles. This position will transition to a Process Optimization Engineer after the Plant is fully operational. The Dairy Process Engineer will cross-functionally with Plant Operations, Continuous Improvement, Quality, and Corporate Engineering to drive waste reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives. The Process Optimization Engineer is responsible for eliminating process losses through equipment improvement, operational standardization, technical training, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive project startup plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, quality control, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and efficient execution.
• Oversee procurement and installation of equipment, ensuring compliance with specifications and timelines.
• Led the commissioning and startup of the dairy process facility, ensuring all systems and processes were fully operational.
• Conducted system tests and quality checks to ensure all equipment was functioning correctly and efficiently.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the new facility.
• Manage the project utilities startup scheduled for December 2024.
• Oversee milk-receiving operations starting in March 2025.
• Coordinate the commencement of powder processing in April 2025.
• Ensure butter processing begins in May 2025.
• Monitor progress to ensure all milestones are met according to the startup timeline.
• Ensure all startup activities comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture, providing training and resources to staff as needed.
• Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Manage a team of startup personnel, providing direction, support, and mentorship.
• Coordinate training programs for staff on new equipment and processes.
• Foster a collaborative and motivated work environment.
• Monitor project budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and within approved limits.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact project timelines or budgets.
• Report regularly on project progress, including financial performance and key milestones.
• Identify, prioritize, and eliminate process losses.
• Define equipment operating standards.
• Coach and collaborate with the line teams and site and regional equipment or process owners to upskill at all organizational levels.
• Responsible for managing both capital and process improvement projects to ensure desired results are met within the budgeted time and cost.
• Provide feedback to design (materials & product initiatives) and lead smart standardization deployment.
• Develop self through participating in corporate and external training.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in project management, preferably within the dairy or food processing industry.
• 3-5 years of operations engineering experience with progressive levels of responsibilities.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in milk powder and/or butter operations is required.
• Strong understanding of dairy processing equipment, technologies, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and industry standards in food processing.

Nice-to-haves

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Master's Degree: Engineering.
• Lean Six Sigma Green and/or Black Belt.
• Experience using Lean Continuous Improvement tools to identify opportunities and drive improvement.

Benefits

• 401K with competitive employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Employer-paid life & disability coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Annual compensation range: $90,259-$135,388