Senior Process Engineer

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description:

Food & Beverage Processing Systems

The Process Engineer is responsible for the design and implementation of sanitary fluid process systems within the food and beverage industry, ranging from individual equipment (such as CIP skids) to complete production lines and full plants. This role owns projects end‑to‑end—from initial concept and detailed process design through equipment specification, procurement, installation, and start‑up/commissioning.

The position works closely with internal engineering teams, contractors, equipment vendors, and clients to deliver efficient, compliant, and high‑quality process solutions that meet food safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer fluid process systems for food and beverage applications, including batching, processing, packaging, CIP/COP, pasteurization, filtration, and heat exchange.
• Analyze and design utility systems (steam, condensate, glycol, tower water, and city water) to support process operations.
• Calculate heating and cooling loads and size thermal systems appropriately.
• Select and specify sanitary pumps, valves, and components for liquid food movement.
• Develop mass balances to support process design, optimization, and regulatory compliance.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment and utility matrices, project schedules, SOPs, and performance specifications.
• Prepare and manage RFQs, including defining scope and technical requirements for equipment and services.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and perform root‑cause analysis to enhance system performance, reliability, and product quality.
• Evaluate vendor solutions, review proposals, and ensure equipment meets technical and regulatory requirements.
• Provide field support including installation oversight, startup assistance, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Travel to customer sites to assess existing systems, support projects, and consult on process challenges.
• Use 3D modeling tools (Plant 3D preferred) and AutoCAD for system modeling, layouts, and isometrics.
• Support capital projects from quoting and budgeting through installation and commissioning.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, structural, fabrication, and installation).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 8 years of process engineering experience in food and beverage manufacturing; dairy or pasteurization experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience designing heating and cooling systems with a solid understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer.
• Hands‑on experience with fluid food movement, including pump and valve selection.
• Demonstrated ability to independently create PFDs, P&IDs, and 3D process models (Plant 3D preferred).
• Experience with capital projects including quoting, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Working knowledge of FDA, USDA, and Dairy 3A sanitary design standards.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to travel; valid U.S. driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory or field leadership experience.
• Experience in dairy, juice, or beverage processing environments.
• Familiarity with automation, MES, and process optimization initiatives.
• Ability to assess existing plants and develop consultative, quoted solutions.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Interest in future technical or leadership growth as the organization expands.

Work Environment

This position operates within a collaborative, project‑driven engineering organization specializing in food and beverage processing systems. The role is remote‑eligible with periodic on‑site requirements and involves approximately 40% travel, typically with weekends at home. Work includes a mix of engineering design, remote collaboration, and hands‑on plant support during installations and commissioning. The organization offers long‑term growth opportunities within a stable, expanding firm.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $76.92/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $58 - $77