Aseptic Beverage Manufacturing Process Engineer

Provide technical expertise and process guidance in the area of aseptic liquid processing and packaging for all food manufacturing plants. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

• Function as a contributor in the development of Kroger Manufacturing's aseptic product strategy
• Create detailed engineering and design plans for aseptic food products ranging from dairy products, juices, blended products, viscous concentrates and pastes
• Optimize, troubleshoot and maintain existing aseptic manufacturing lines to improve quality, productivity and safety
• Prepare conceptual process and packaging designs which can enhance existing or new aseptic product portfolio
• Manage multiple assigned projects establishing manpower, budgets, scheduling, equipment, and materials
• Evaluate and present appropriate current and new equipment and technology
• Prepare process analysis of existing processing technologies and systems
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis
• Participate in industry tradeshows and technical conferences to identify new technologies and innovations in aseptic processing and packaging applicable to the Kroger Company
• Incorporate personnel safety, food safety and regulatory requirements into all solutions
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of Federal, State, and Local engineering codes and regulations
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Travel independently up to 10% as needed
• Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of Aseptic dairy process experience
• 6+ years of progressive engineering experience in food/beverage manufacturing and dairy processing
• Strong oral/written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft office; adept at project scheduling and spreadsheet
• Experience formulating and executing plans that when complete, met pre-defined project goals
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with strong grasp of engineering disciplines, plant operations and construction
• Relevant technical expertise and application knowledge of aseptic processing and packaging

Desired

• Experience in the food manufacturing industry with a strong preference for dairy or beverage
• Capital project management >$1MM (pay level - 10)
• Capital project management experience
• Knowledge of other liquid food and beverage processing technologies including extended shelf-life (ESL), ultra clean and hot fill a plus
• Proven experience in food safety, hygienic design, aseptic, beverage, dairy and juice design standards
• Experience with Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) principles and practices