SCOPE:
The Subject Matter Expert (SME) will specialize in the operation and maintenance of the UHTs and will be responsible for providing technical expertise, ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards, and driving continuous improvement efforts within the aseptic manufacturing processes. The SME will provide a deep understanding of aseptic processing, the operation of the UHT’s (Stork and APS), and the regulatory requirements of food manufacturing industries. The SME will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, and maintain a high standard of production efficiency and product quality.
Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:
- Provide specialized knowledge in the operation and troubleshooting of the UHT’s for Stork and West Aseptic.
- Offer guidance to the production and maintenance teams on equipment operations, sterilization protocols, and troubleshooting procedures.
- Implement and maintain comprehensive training programs for operators and engineers, ensuring full understanding of aseptic techniques and equipment functionality
- Ensure that equipment operates within optimal parameters and provide recommendations for improvements or upgrades.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and ensure product quality.
- Assist in the validation and qualification of the UHT equipment and other associated systems.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure that all operations are compliant with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), regulatory standards, and company quality policies.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to verify the correct operation of the equipment and the manufacturing environment.
- Provide technical input in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
- Provide real-time technical support and troubleshooting expertise during production to resolve any equipment or process issues.
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to diagnose and repair equipment faults, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Ensure a safe working environment by following safety rules and helping improve the safety culture.
- Ensure manufacturing processes are in compliance with all government laws and regulations.
- Provide technical support 24/7 as needed to ensure business continuity.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- BS in Engineering required; Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineer preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in an aseptic manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years of experience working directly with UHT systems
- Strong knowledge of aseptic processing, including sterilization techniques (e.g., SIP, CIP) and associated regulatory requirements
- Proven experience in troubleshooting, optimizing, and maintaining aseptic UHT equipment
- Detailed oriented; analytical thinker; relentless in understanding “why?”
- Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
- Strong ability to coach, lead and direct engineering and maintenance staff
- Solid computer skills; Microsoft Office and CAD programs
- Experience managing people and projects preferred
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
- Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time
- Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
- Must possess visual acuity to document company records
- Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center
- Lifting up to 40 pounds
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
- At least 5 years of experience in an aseptic manufacturing environment
- At least 3 years of direct experience working with UHT systems
- Strong knowledge of aseptic processing, including SIP and CIP sterilization techniques
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements for food manufacturing
- Experience troubleshooting, optimizing, and maintaining aseptic UHT equipment
- Ability to coach, lead, and direct engineering and maintenance staff
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and CAD programs
- Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering background
- Experience managing people and projects
What We Do
Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. Simply put, we make coffee, tea and water taste better. Our portfolio includes a variety of branded, licensed and private label products within multiple categories. We also provide strategic co-manufactured partnerships with many category leaders. On the branded side of the business, we manufacture and market SPLENDA®, the #1 brand in the low-calorie sweetener (LCS) category and the most recognizable in the world. And we’re leading the charge in the quickly emerging cold brew coffee category with JAVA HOUSE® Authentic Cold Brew Coffee, our 100% authentic cold brew handcrafted in small batches. In addition, we are the leading provider of private label sweeteners and liquid water enhancers in the U.S. Our products are distributed throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. We employ over 1,200 people worldwide.
