Process Engineer, Tech Ops

Company Summary For over 60 years, MeriCal has been at the forefront of innovation in the dietary supplement industry, delivering custom manufacturing and packaging solutions with passion and precision. With state-of-the-art facilities in Southern California and Ogden, UT, we transform ideas into high-quality products—from research and development to the finished products. Our team, with over 30 years of combined experience, is dedicated to crafting exceptional gummies, probiotics, tablets, capsules, chewables, and powders using clinically backed ingredients. At MeriCal, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them, every time. Join us and be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team shaping the future of nutrition! The Opportunity The Process Engineer, Technical Ops is responsible for optimizing and troubleshooting manufacturing processes for tablet, capsule, and powder dietary supplement products. This role owns the technical performance of dry-fill, compression, encapsulation, blending, granulation, and powder-fill processes — driving process robustness, yield improvement, and consistent product quality from pilot scale through full commercial production. The Process Engineer works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and Maintenance to solve equipment and process-related issues and to design processes that are efficient, repeatable, and compliant. What You’ll Do Own and optimize manufacturing processes for tablets (compression, coating), capsules (encapsulation), and powders (blending, granulation, fill/finish). Lead process development and scale-up activities from pilot batches through commercial-scale production runs, establishing and validating critical process parameters (CPPs). Investigate and resolve in-process manufacturing issues, including blending inconsistencies, tablet weight/hardness/friability variation, capsule fill weight variation, granulation defects, powder flowability/segregation issues, and coating defects. Partner with Manufacturing and Maintenance to troubleshoot equipment-related process issues (tablet presses, encapsulators, blenders, granulators, fluid bed processors, powder fillers) and minimize downsize. Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations, out-of-specification results, and recurring production issues; implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Identify and lead process optimization and cost-savings initiatives, including cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and waste reduction. Develop, review, and maintain process documentation, including batch manufacturing records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flow diagrams, and equipment setup/changeover instructions. Support equipment qualification (IQ/QQ/PQ) and process validation activities for new and existing equipment/processes. Evaluate and recommend equipment upgrades, tooling changes, or process technology improvements to support capacity, quality, or efficiency goals. Collaborate with Formulation Scientist during technology transfer to ensure new formulations are process-compatible and scalable on existing equipment. Support change controls, deviations, and non-conference report (NCR) investigations related to process or equipment issues. Provide hands-on technical support and training to production operators and technicians on process parameters and troubleshooting. Analyze process data (e.g., SPC/trending) to proactively identify variability and drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies. What You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related scientific field. 3+ yeas of process engineering experience in solid dose manufacturing (tablets, capsules and/or powders) within dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, or nutraceuticals. Hand's-on experience with solid dose processing equipment: tablet presses, encapsulators, high-shear/fluid bed granulators, blenders (V-blender bin blender), and powder-filling equipment. Working knowledge of FDA regulations for dietary supplements (21 CFR Part 111) and cGMP requirements. Strong troubleshooting skills demonstrated experience resolving in process manufacturing and equipment issues. Experience with process validation and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). Familiarity with in process testing methods (weight variation, hardiness, friability, disintegration, moisture analysis). Ability to read and interpret process data, batch records, and technical specifications. Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with ability to work directly with production floor personnel. Ability to work primarily on the manufacturing production floor, with regular exposure to operating equipment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. (materials, tooling, test equipment). Ability to walk/stand for extended periods during production support and troubleshooting. Use of PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.) as required in the manufacturing environment. The Perks No-cost vision insurance (yes, you read that right!), employer-paid life insurance, paid company holidays, generous paid time off, sick leave, employee assistance program, and a comprehensive wellness program. Affordable medical and dental insurance plans tailored for you and your dependents. Exceptional supplemental benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, Hospitalization indemnity plans, and pet insurance. 401(k) matching plan and more! A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $135,000. to $140,000. The compensation offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and/or education. MeriCal is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, and where differences are embraced as strengths. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equality and celebrates diversity. Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact recruiting@merical.com if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests. MeriCal uses E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the following website: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees For more information about the categories of personal information we collect from you and how we use, sell, and share that information, please see our Privacy Notice for California Contractors and Privacy Notice for California Employees.