Processing Project Engineer

company information

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based dairy company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and value-added products to nourish consumers.

With more than $1B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s growing portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

The company is driven by its values of caring for people, the animals that supply us with milk, and the planet. By providing nourishing products, implementing stringent care standards for animals, and stewarding efficient operations and responsible packaging, fairlife, LLC puts a focus each day on making a positive impact for all. 

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose: Under limited supervision, the Processing Project Engineer will provide technical solutions and expertise in operations, engineering, and maintenance. The Processing Project Engineer will manage, coordinate, and oversee technical projects, maintenance, and engineering solutions.  This individual will plan and direct all projects with necessary vendors and in-house resources. They are responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, training and efficiencies for the Coopersville, MI plant through provision of effective methods, controls, and strategies.

responsibilities:

• Project planning: Developing project plans, timelines, and budgets for fluid dairy processing projects. This includes determining the scope of the project, identifying resources required, and establishing project milestones.
• Equipment selection and procurement: Identifying and selecting appropriate equipment and machinery for fluid dairy processing operations. This involves evaluating different options, considering factors such as capacity, efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The project engineer is responsible for coordinating with vendors and managing the procurement process.
• Process design and optimization: Designing and optimizing fluid dairy processing processes to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality. This includes creating mass balances, identifying bottlenecks, improving process flow, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Project coordination: Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including safety, production, maintenance, and quality assurance, to ensure smooth project execution. The project engineer is responsible for coordinating activities, managing resources, and resolving any issues or conflicts that arise during the project.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards governing fluid dairy processing operations. The project engineer must have a thorough understanding of food safety and quality regulations and work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance throughout the project.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintaining accurate project documentation, including design specifications, equipment manuals, stakeholder signoffs and project reports. The project engineer is responsible for documenting project progress, tracking expenses, and providing regular updates to stakeholders.

• Training and support: Providing training and support to operations and maintenance teams on new equipment, processes, and technologies implemented during the project. This includes developing training materials, conducting training sessions, and assisting with troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Continuous improvement: Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in processing operations and milk losses. The project engineer is responsible for monitoring process performance, analyzing data, and implementing changes or upgrades to enhance productivity, efficiency, and product quality.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Aseptic/Dairy experience required including UHT’s, homogenizers, separators, filtration plants, mix proof valves, motors, pumps.
• Ability to update P&ID’s, mechanical/electrical prints (CAD/SolidWorks preferred)
• Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgements on sensitive, confidential issues
• Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments
• Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in quality assurance, maintenance, and ERP applications
• Able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business
• Knowledge of USDA, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility a plus

position location: Coopersville, MI 

reports to: Director of Engineering

exempt/nonexempt: exempt

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [email protected].