Job Title: Process Engineer – Food & Beverage Processing Equipment
Location: Hayward, CA (100 % onsite)
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Work Authorisation: U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident only
Travel: Minimal (occasional local supplier or customer visits)
About the Opportunity:
Join an established engineering and manufacturing organisation known for designing and integrating end-to-end food-processing and packaging lines.
In this role, you will blend process-engineering know-how with hands-on equipment design, helping major food producers improve safety, quality and throughput. You’ll work closely with controls engineers, mechanical designers and plant operations teams from concept through startup.
Key Responsibilities:
- Author technical procedures – create clear, user-friendly guides for programming, installing and operating thermal-process and clean-in-place (CIP) systems.
- Standardise device data – compile and maintain the master Motor & Device List for multiple equipment families, ensuring consistent tag conventions across projects.
- Design compliant controls – generate schematics, P&IDs and control logic that meet FDA, OSHA and internal safety‐engineering standards.
- Lead safety documentation – develop Safety Measure Assessments (SMA), Critical Control Logic (CCL) and Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS); partner with EHS to verify risk-reduction measures.
- Interface with manufacturing – support shop-floor builds and FATs, standing for extended periods as needed to resolve design issues in real time.
- Drive continuous improvement – champion design-for-sanitation, cost-reduction and reliability projects across heat exchangers, pumps, filters and automated CIP skids.
- Collaborate cross-functionally – liaise with sales, project management, supply chain and field service to ensure on-time, in-spec delivery.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Engineering, Food Technology or Mechanical Engineering.
- 3 + years’ hands-on experience with food-processing equipment or hygienic/sanitary-design projects.
- Solid background in industrial process systems, especially heat exchangers, centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps, filtration units and automated CIP circuits.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Inventor 3-D design software.
- Working familiarity with SAP (or other ERP) preferred.
- Demonstrated employment stability (no significant unexplained gaps or frequent moves).
Competencies:
- Meticulous attention to detail and documentation discipline.
- Strong understanding of food-industry regulations, cGMP and hygienic standards.
- Ability to translate complex technical details into clear instructions for both engineers and production operators.
- Comfortable working shoulder-to-shoulder with tradespeople on the factory floor.
- Self-starter who thrives in a deadline-driven environment and communicates effectively across levels.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid holidays, birthday holiday, PTO, sick time and vacation
- Professional development and advancement pathways
*A full benefits package is offered; details provided during the interview process.
Application Process:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Contact Person: Elvis Eckardt
