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Job Title: Director of Process Engineering

Job Description

The Director of Process Engineering is a sr operational leader responsible for the design, optimization, and scalability of manufacturing processes, equipment, and facilities systems. This role is central to the Build team and works closely with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Food Safety & Quality, and Product Development to enhance yield, uptime, throughput, and compliant scale-up. The Director of Process Engineering ensures that plant systems, equipment, and processes are engineered for reliability, food safety, and profitable growth. This role is pivotal in advancing the fresh sous vide and cook-chill manufacturing platform by ensuring processes are robust, repeatable, and scalable.

Responsibilities

+ Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes and production line layouts.

+ Lead equipment selection, specification, installation, and commissioning.

+ Identify automation, equipment, and process opportunities to increase capacity, yield, and efficiency.

+ Ensure all equipment and processes meet customer, regulatory, and food safety requirements.

+ Analyze yields, throughput, downtime, and workflow to identify constraints and improvement opportunities.

+ Lead root cause analysis for process failures, equipment issues, and quality deviations.

+ Drive Lean, CI, and Operational Excellence initiatives with measurable impact.

+ Track, trend, and report key operational metrics monthly.

+ Lead the Maintenance and Facilities team, including staffing, training, and scheduling.

+ Develop and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs.

+ Oversee maintenance systems, including PMs, work orders, spare parts, and downtime tracking.

+ Manage the maintenance and facilities budget and report performance to sr leadership.

+ Lead capital projects, equipment upgrades, and plant engineering initiatives.

+ Manage contractor and equipment vendor relationships.

+ Partner with Finance to develop CapEx justifications, ROI models, and cost-impact analysis.

+ Collaborate with Manufacturing, FSQA, Product Development, and Supply Chain to support plant performance and scale-up.

+ Lead process and equipment qualification and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).

+ Oversee new product and process validation documentation and execution.

+ Partner with Product Development to ensure R&D concepts are scalable and plant-ready.

+ Ensure all validated processes meet food safety, regulatory, and quality system requirements.

Essential Skills

+ Process engineering, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, manufacturing process, food industry experience.

+ Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related scientific field.

+ 5+ years of food plant engineering, process engineering, or related manufacturing experience.

+ Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, CAD, MiniTab.

+ Knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, as they relate to the food processing industry.

+ Experience with GFSI and SQF guidelines.

+ Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar certification preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Continuous improvement with mechanical true process experience.

+ Strong interpersonal skills for working with external vendors.

+ Ability to analyze data and implement process improvements.

+ Experience leading a team and having direct reports is desirable.

+ Project management skills and ability to collaborate and communicate cross-functionally.

+ Ability to train and support the team on the floor.

+ Experience in an FDA environment, preferably in the food industry.

+ Experience with preventative maintenance and equipment management.

Work Environment

The Director of Process Engineering will work in a dynamic environment, splitting time between the manufacturing plant and office cubicles. This role offers strategic visibility and direct interaction with executive leadership for capital planning, operational KPIs, and plant strategy. The work culture emphasizes engineering-led impact, clear growth paths, and hands-on leadership. Competitive compensation is offered, including opportunities for additional bonuses based on company performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of St. Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $210000.00/yr.

Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.) that begin on day one of hire. ● Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, short term disability, etc. ● 401k & company provided match ● Unlimited PTO ● Tuition Reimbursement ● Company led Leadership & Development Programs ● 10 Company Paid Holidays ● Bonus Incentive Programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in St. Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.