Sr. Process Engineer
Job Description
As a Senior Process Engineer at Oterra, you will serve as the primary technical catalyst for our North American manufacturing operations. With 10+ years of expertise, you will bridge the gap between R&D innovation and high-volume production, driving the scalability and quality of our liquid and powder color portfolios. You will partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex formulation challenges and implement high-impact efficiency improvements.
Key responsibilities
- Process Innovation & Scale-Up
- Direct the design, optimization, and scale-up of diverse color systems, including emulsions, powders, and encapsulated formulations.
- Collaborate with R&D to lead seamless technology transfers from pilot stage to full commercial production, ensuring both feasibility and cost-efficiency.
- Participate in capital projects, managing equipment selection, commissioning, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
- Manufacturing Excellence & Troubleshooting
- Serve as the lead technical expert in resolving complex manufacturing issues such as batch variability, pigment stability, filtration bottlenecks, and thermal treatment failures.
- Drive initiatives to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by reducing changeover times and optimizing batch cycle sequences.
- Define and implement robust process control strategies, SOPs, and technical best practices to ensure gold-standard product quality.
- Continuous Improvement & Data Strategy
- Execute Lean and Six Sigma projects to maximize yield, minimize waste, and reduce energy consumption across production lines.
Qualifications
- Qualifications: Essential Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience: 10+ years in specialty chemicals, food ingredients, or color manufacturing.
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of unit operations, specifically mixing, milling, spray drying, heat transfer, filtration, and homogenization.
- Process Improvement: Proven track record in troubleshooting complex processes using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Preferred Skills
- Expertise in botanical extractions, natural/synthetic pigments, or encapsulation stability.
- Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DOE) using Minitab, JMP, or Stat-Ease to solve variability issues.
- Familiarity with B2B regulatory compliance and food safety standards.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the "big picture" of a production lifecycle.
- Mentorship: A passion for sharing knowledge and elevating the technical skills of the wider team.
- Agility: A result-oriented "can-do" attitude that thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Additional Information
What We Offer
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance available upon hire
- Generous paid time off plus 11 company-paid holidays
- Retirement contributions to help support your future
- Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
- A collaborative culture that encourages career growth, professional development, and internal opportunities
- The chance to be part of a supportive team where your contributions make an impact