Research Development Process Engineer
About the Role
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. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low-calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world. This role is on-site at our manufacturing plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The R&D Process Engineer will lead and support product innovation, renovation, and process improvement projects across key categories, including protein and nutrition beverages, creamers, non-nutritive sweeteners, liquid water enhancers, liquid concentrates, tea beverages, coffee products, and flavored drinks. Processing technologies include liquid blending, pasteurization and sterilization, aseptic bottling, hot filling, spray drying, and dry blending. Duties may evolve as the company grows and expands into new technologies.
Responsibilities
- Supports product development projects (innovation/renovation) with a focus on optimizing process design and technical transfer to operations.
- Supports pilot and commercial scale-up trials and monitors initial commercial productions.
- Develops process flow diagrams, P&IDs, mass balances, and centerlines for new processes and products.
- Supports capital project work to commercialize new products, including equipment specification, vendor evaluation, and class 5 (factored) capital estimates.
- Provides technical guidance on new projects to ensure processes and equipment meet quality, food safety, and EHS requirements.
- Provides expertise and support for current and future processing equipment.
- Guides product developers on batching process instructions for manufacturing.
- Develops specifications for finished products with physical, chemical, and sensory properties.
- Develops batching instructions and experimental plans for pilot plant and operations.
- Maintains relationships with equipment manufacturers to understand new and emerging technologies and improvements on existing technologies.
- Collaborates regularly with Operations and advises solutions for production issues.
- Identifies and implements solutions that improve performance of production facilities.
- Follows GMPs, maintains sanitary conditions, adheres to safe work practices, and ensures product quality is maintained.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines required.
- Minimum of 3 years of food industry experience.
- Experience working with thermally processed products preferred.
- Working knowledge of thermal processing principles, aseptic processing, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer as applied to food processing.
- Excellent analytical skills and understanding of statistical methodologies and experimental design (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt).
- Strong organizational and communication (oral and written) skills for cross-functional collaboration; proficiency in English required.
- Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and drive them to completion.
- Comfortable working cross-functionally and leading project teams.
- Computer literacy, including competency with Microsoft Office and demonstrated ability to operate complex software programs.
- Able to work with light supervision and in a team environment.
- Fast learner, flexible, and willing to help where needed.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to 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, including daily overtime and occasional weekends.
- Must possess visual acuity to document company records.
- Continuous walking throughout the plant and distribution center.
- Lifting up to 40 pounds.
Benefits
We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package.