Process Engineer

About the role

The Process Engineer will play a critical role in driving operational excellence at the San Antonio 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 extraction, blending, filtration, Clean-in-Place and HTST Processes.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve key manufacturing processes—including extraction, blending, CIP, 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.
• 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.
• 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 evaluate and enhance process safety systems and standards.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements across all process improvements.
• 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.
• 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.
• Partner with Commercialization, R&D and NPD teams to translate concepts into scalable, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
• 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 & Requirements

• 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 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.
• Willingness to work additional hours, and tailor schedule appropriately to support team goals and meet deadlines.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

About Us

Since 1750, Finlays Solutions has been the trusted leader in supplying tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s leading beverage brands. Focused on delivering exceptional beverage solutions, we empower our customers to create moments of joy with every sip. Our team is built on values of acting for the long-term, taking accountability, doing better each time, and succeeding together. When you join us, you're not just taking on a job; you're becoming part of a customer-centric culture driven by collaboration, expertise, and innovation.