PROCESS ENGINEER
Location
New Zealand
Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote
Onsite
Status
Reports To
Filtration Systems Director
FLSA Status
Exempt
Management Position
No
POSITION OVERVIEW
This position will apply process engineering principles to design, analyze, optimize, and support food and dairy processing systems. The role supports membrane filtration projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup, working closely with customers, sales, project management, automation, manufacturing, and field teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Sales Support
- Collect and analyze data to support the optimization and improvement of customers’ existing process lines
- Support quotation proposals with technical input, equipment sizing estimations, high level process flow diagrams (PFDs), process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
- Utilize historical cost data to support and enhance cost estimation tools while proposing continuous cost-reduction improvements
- Assist sales team with on-site and remote customer meetings for process solutions presentations and discussions
Process Design and Engineering:
- Develop technically detailed mass and energy balance calculations for process systems, covering water, heat, and cooling utilities.
- Prepare technical documentation including complete P&IDs, process descriptions, and specifications for use in project execution
- Contribute to computational tools through data collection, analysis, and excel oriented skills
Project Support and Execution
- Support projects from conceptual design phase to final execution at customer sites
- Prepare functional description for automation team and lead factory acceptance testing (FAT)
- Partner closely with project and automation engineers to identify and resolve technical, mechanical, and control system issues
- Execute commissioning, startup, and performance verification of filtration systems
- Ensure system performance meets project requirements for capacity, yield, and key process variables
- Prepare SOP manual and train operators & customer technical teams
- Document lessons learned and provide feedback for future project improvement
Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement
- Analyze operational data to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality
- Identify and resolve process and equipment issues to enhance productivity through root cause analysis and effective corrective actions
- Support standardization and best engineering practices
Other Duties
- Assist after-sales team and customers with inquiries, issues, warranties, upgrades as needed
- On request, give technological support and advice to coworkers in the organization and/or customer’s organization
- Attend relevant continuing education classes (i.e. university classes, equipment training)
- Attend industry events (e.g. Cheese Con, WCMA events)
- Other projects as assigned by supervisor
TRAVEL:
- Anticipate 35% travel, including client site visits during pre-sales, project kick off, occasional visit during installation as needed, commissioning, periodic trade shows. Potential for international travel 1-2 times per year.
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelors degree in dairy food processing, chemical, mechanical, bio-systems etc
- Must have 4+ years’ experience in the sanitary dairy process industry and a working knowledge of membrane filtration systems or liquid processing
- Familiarity with industry standards (3-A, ASME, USDA)
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams
KOVALUES:
- CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our decisions and actions are aligned with client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
- INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE: Establishes trust and credibility, ensuring that actions and communications are transparent and ethical. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- TEAMWORK: Foster collaboration and efficiency, leading to innovative solutions and a supportive work environment.
- HUMILITY & RESPECT: Build a positive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a respectful workplace.
- ENTREPRENEURIAL: Eliminate bureaucracy and non-value-added processes. Encourage innovation, promote a sense of urgency, and identify and promote our competitive advantage.
The Company’s employment application form will state, at least, that The Company will consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in dairy food processing, food processing, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biosystems engineering, or a related field
- 4+ years of experience in the sanitary dairy process industry
- Working knowledge of membrane filtration systems or liquid processing
- Familiarity with 3-A, ASME, and USDA industry standards
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong teamwork and cross-functional collaboration skills
What We Do
Kovalus Separation Solutions develops and supplies integrated separation technologies and process equipment for food and beverage, life-science, and general industrial customers. Its portfolio includes membrane filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, drying, and cheesemaking technologies. The company works with customers from research and development and piloting through large-scale implementation and after-sales service, helping recover valuable products, reduce waste and operating footprints, and improve productivity and costs.
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