Process Engineer (Boardman, OR)

HIS POSITION IS LOCATED ON-SITE AT OUR BOARDMAN, OREGON FACILITY.

Process Engineer

Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals. 

Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us. 

As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day. 

What you will do:

The Process Engineer owns the interface between fluid processing equipment, product, and utility systems, and leads the design and implementation of solutions to improve quality, reduce cost, and support customer demands for new products.  The Process Engineer works closely with the Whey Production Manager and Process Technologist to support the New Product Development group, and with the plant maintenance and engineering team to enhance profitability and growth by reducing operating costs and downtime.

Here’s a day in the life:

• Own the engineering of the cheese, and powder production processes from milk receiving to cheese block formers, through WPC-80 and lactose manufacturing finished packaging.

•  Collaborate with the Sales  amp; Marketing teams to lead feasibility studies for new products.

• Evaluate, research and develop new/alternate materials, process methods, equipment and technologies.

•  Provide technical support when growth, modernization and expansion occurs in cheese, and whey production and processing capacity to meet market demands with state of the art systems.

• Develop and implement processes, procedures, and methodology to improve efficiencies and quality of dairy products produced.

• Collaborate with Production, R amp;D, Quality and Finance to define expected operational success criteria and operational costs for proposed projects.

• Specify pumps, valves, and instrumentation in collaboration with the engineering automation team.

• Preparation of the RFP including clear statement of work, project success criteria, process flow diagram, equipment specifications, FAT expectations, and T amp;Cs adequate to support accurate vendor proposals.

• Verify performance of new equipment and process installations.

• Lead resolution of vendor technical performance issues with new equipment or processes.

• Provide design and operational oversight for utility systems and critical production and utility equipment.

• Provide technical support for maintenance when requested.

• Develop and track performance and maintenance of large rotating equipment such as centrifuges, fans, and compressors.

• Initiate, plan and lead capital and non-capital maintenance and equipment projects to ensure timely and cost-effective achievement of project objectives.

• Manage small to mid-sized capital improvement projects.

• Large project team member / SME (subject matter expert)

• Project regulatory compliance (ODA, USDA, FDA, SQF, PSM/RMP)

• Mandate adherence to all safety guidelines and work to provide a safe work environment for all employees.

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors and the general public.

• Communicate difficult concepts and negotiates with others to achieve the optimal solution.

• Act as a team player and be able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.

• Work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Demonstrate excellent time-management skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.

• Demonstrate knowledge of P amp;ID development and engineering specifications development. Experience with piping layouts, tank/storage handling, and fluid diversion, mixing of fluid medias specific to cheese/dairy or CIP processes, as well as pumps, and valves.

• Solves moderately complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.

• Demonstrates design capabilities in specification, verification, and calculation of fluid and thermal based processes

• Utilize a computer with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Professional Engineer license preferred.

•  Bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, chemical, mechanical or technical discipline or equivalent relevant work experience.

• 5+ years food or beverage manufacturing processes.

•   Have experience with the following: Mass balance process flows and calculations, heat exchange (conceptual, theoretical, & applicable), and food or dairy packaging experience.

• Experience working with multi trade based vendors/contractors.

•  Show familiarity with USDA Dairy and 3A Sanitary Design Standards.

Industry leading benefit and reward programs:

We offer outstanding benefits to our employees. For more information, please visit the careers page: www.tillamook.com/careers.

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success. We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.   

 

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace.   

TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.