What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Process Engineering position at Chobani?
The Director of Process Engineering is a strategic position that will develop and lead the onsite engineering team for Chobani's Rome, NY production facility. The position requires high responsibility, leadership, decision-making ability, and self-sufficiency. This position will coordinate the design process from the conceptual phase of project development through execution to project close out. This role will assess vendors for competency and capabilities, review and discuss bid documents, and be held accountable for project development and execution, including performance of the process systems. In addition, this position will ensure timely support of daily manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting, optimization, and waste reduction initiatives. This role has a responsibility for ensuring both food safety and quality of Chobani products.
This position is based onsite and eligible for relocation support.
- Support processing, utilities, and wastewater systems with technical knowledge and expertise
- Design methods for maintaining or increasing process efficiencies while improving costs, yields, quality, and safety
- Troubleshoot process problems and identify the true root cause to correct process issues
- Coordinate process control with automation
- Prepare conceptual engineering designs and floor plans for process equipment
- Develop documentation in support of process changes including PFD's, P&ID's, process descriptions, and scope
- Specify necessary equipment and work with vendors and contractors to achieve desired project outcomes
- Lead and participate in process risk assessments, automation simulations, and project related FMEA's
- Lead all aspects of the development of intervention, LOTO, and flush plans
- Ensure asset tags are added to WW Historian and automated reporting (ICIS) is functioning correctly
- Organize the layout of piping, equipment, and utilities for engineering changes
- Work closely with the Project Management team to deliver projects on time and within budget
- Research engineering topics, prepare studies and conduct trials with productions
- Assist with transitioning capital projects to the production plant team
- Maintain documentation library in coordination with the drafting team (Equipment Layouts, Process Flow Diagrams, P&IDs, Equipment Manuals, Standards, etc.)
- Solicit and critique all proposed process changes, submittals, and designs through a Management of Change process
- Review pertinent agency regulations; advise operations, maintenance, and project managers accordingly
- Follow Chobani's safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices
- Perform other exciting opportunities as assigned
- Experience in dairy or food industry manufacturing with deep process knowledge. Cultured dairy products is a plus
- 3-5 years director level experience leading a technical team
- 10-15 years of experience in capital projects or plant manufacturing
- BS in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
- Proficient in HACCP, food safety, and related compliance regulations. PMO experience is a plus
- Must understand PLC and logic controls for high-speed operating equipment
- Highly effective leader\team member who can work collaboratively, create a shared vision, energize others, challenge the status quo, and motivate change
- Willingness to act as a working manager and the technical ability to support the process engineering team where needed
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities to effectively develop team members and share knowledge
- Strong ability to balance multiple tasks given time constraints and ensure tasks are completed
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with team members at all levels of the organization
- Demonstrated experience in project management and team leadership
- Record of driving process improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies
Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 byHamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers - Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafes nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. In 2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious, delicious and convenient ready-to-make meals.
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world - putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond. Chobani manufactures its products inNew York,Idaho,MichiganandAustralia, and its products are available throughoutNorth Americaand distributed inAustraliaand other select markets.
For more information, please visitwww.chobani.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Chobani provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. To help save for the future, all employees are eligible for a 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay. To support growing families, we provide fertility and childcare assistance, and 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment. In addition, we provide wellness resources which include an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations) and a monthly wellness newsletter to connect you with resources and timely information. We offer various types of paid time of including: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 holidays, paid volunteer time off and military service leave.
Compensation Range: $144,000.00-$216,000.00, plus bonus.