Process Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: Minden, NV 89423About Us:  Finlays Solutions operates manufacturing sites worldwide (USA, UK, Kenya). The primary role will be within the USA; however, there may be international co-operation with the head office as well as other Finlays’ sites around the world to help develop a consistent approach to Engineering Standards.  Job Summary:  The Process Engineer will play a critical role in driving operational excellence at the Minden, NV, manufacturing site. This position is responsible for evaluating, optimizing, and transforming key production processes to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance, with a strong focus on liquid processes such as blending, filtration, Clean-in-Place and HTST Processes. In addition to leading process control and improvement initiatives, the role manages capital projects that enhance process capability, automation, and workplace safety. This includes early-stage technology development, scaling new processes, and upgrading existing systems to support Finlays’ long-term growth strategy.  The Process Engineer will be responsible for commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment and processes, ensuring seamless integration into operations. Success in this role requires strong Chemical and Process Engineering expertise, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.   As Finlays expands production capacity to meet increasing customer demand, this role will be instrumental in developing highly automated, lean, and sustainable manufacturing systems. While primarily based at the Minden site, the position may support additional Finlays Solutions facilities across the U.S. and contribute to the development of process and food safety standards for JFA and beyond.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Process Optimization & Technical Leadership  Evaluate and improve key manufacturing processes—including blending, CIP, Thermal Treatment and packaging—using sound engineering principles and data-driven analysis.  Assess current and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for process enhancement, automation, and cost reduction.  Develop and maintain P&IDs for existing and evolving processes.  Project & Capital Management  Lead projects from concept through capital proposal, approval, installation, and implementation.  Build robust business cases in partnership with Finance and cross-functional stakeholders, including cost-benefit analyses and ROI justification.  Ensure all engineering solutions meet the highest standards of process safety, occupational safety, and sanitary design.  Manage internal and external resources to deliver projects on time and within budget.  Process Safety & Compliance  Lead all Process Safety activities for the Site, including PHR, LOPA and HCA analysis for all process safety critical equipment.  Collaborate closely with the Global Process Safety Team to develop a Process Safety roadmap to evaluate and enhance process safety systems and standards.  Ensure compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements across all process improvements.  Commissioning, Validation & Startup  Lead commissioning, qualification, and startup of new equipment and processes.  Conduct rigorous process and equipment trials, documenting results and ensuring readiness for full-scale operation.  Continuous Improvement & Performance Monitoring  Establish and maintain systems for ongoing process performance evaluation, reporting, and optimization.  Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with World Class Manufacturing principles.  Manage change control processes, ensuring traceability, documentation, and verification of expected vs. actual benefits.  Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical Support  Partner with Commercialization, R&D and NPD teams to translate concepts into scalable, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.  Partner with the sustainability team to support the Finlays Global Sustainability Roadmap  Provide engineering expertise to internal teams and external business partners.  Review new and existing packaging formats to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.  Build a strong knowledge base and network to serve as a subject matter expert.  Qualifications & Experience  Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, or a related discipline; broad applied experience across chemical, mechanical, and process engineering.  3 – 5 Years of practical experience working in a production environment in Food & Beverage, CPG, or related sectors.  Experience with World Class Manufacturing, Lean, or similar methodologies, with a proven track record of driving measurable change.  Technical experience with high-speed packaging lines, thermal processing systems, blending systems, and CIP systems.  Demonstrated experience with Process Safety Processes such as PHR, HAC and LOPA  Demonstrated competence in Safety Management within continuous processing and packaged goods environments.   Strong understanding of Quality Assurance systems and GMP environments, preferably within the food and beverage industry.  Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and MS Project.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English required.  Physical Demands:  Willingness to work additional hours, and tailor schedule appropriately to support team goals and meet deadlines  Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards  Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks  Work environment sometimes involves exposure to inclement weather  Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment  Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety  Work Environment:  Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation  Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols  Equal Opportunity Statement:  Finlays Solutions Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays Solutions employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.    This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.