Food Process Engineer

Position: Food Process Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA

Overview: We are developing a high protein dry-food snack using a proprietary, multi-step wet processing and drying method. We are seeking a Food Process Engineer to lead the translation of a small batch validated formulation into a repeatable, compliant pilot-scale manufacturing process and to lay the technical foundation for future scale-up.

This role sits at the center of product, process, and operations. The Food Process Engineer will work closely with the founding team to define, document, and refine the core manufacturing approach, balancing consistency, quality, and scalability. Given the early stage of the company, this position requires a high degree of technical judgment, autonomy, and ownership, as well as comfort working with evolving processes and limited precedent.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and accustomed to working in environments where process knowledge, documentation, and disciplined execution are critical to long-term success. This is not a narrow bench R&D role, but a foundational position shaping how the product is made, protected, and scaled.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development and Scale-Up

• Translate a validated small-batch formula into a repeatable pilot-scale manufacturing process

• Define and optimize process parameters across requiring a variety of equipment including but not limited to brining and baking

• Establish batch size, throughput, and yield targets

• Identify and mitigate scale-up risks related to compliance and uniformity

• Document proprietary process parameters as internal trade-secret operating procedures

Equipment Selection and Pilot Line Operation

• Specify, source, and commission pilot-scale food processing equipment 

• Work with facility constraints (utilities, ventilation, sanitation flow) to design an efficient pilot line

• Support installation, validation, and troubleshooting of new equipment

• Develop an equipment roadmap to advance beyond initial pilot line capabilities

• Run and supervise pilot production batches

• Analyze batch data to improve consistency, yield, and cost structure

• Support early commercial production and process refinement

• Collaborate directly with founders on product evolution and scale decisions

Food Safety and Quality Systems

• Lead development of a FSMA-compliant Food Safety Plan under 21 CFR Part 117

• Conduct formal hazard analysis (biological, chemical, physical)

• Establish sanitation SOPs, preventive controls, monitoring, corrective actions, and verification procedures

• Implement traceability and batch coding systems

• Coordinate third-party testing for water activity, shelf life, and microbial validation

• Support labeling inputs related to processing and allergen considerations

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

• 3 years of hands-on experience in food manufacturing, pilot plants, or process development

• Direct experience with wet processing, thermal processing, dehydration, and/or frying

• Familiarity with FSMA Preventive Controls and food safety documentation

• Experience selecting and working with commercial food equipment

• Comfortable working in a startup / pilot-scale environment with ambiguity and rapid iteration

• Strong documentation and SOP-writing skills

• High level of professional judgment, reliability, and attention to detail when handling proprietary processes and internal documentation

• Experience working in environments where process integrity and confidentiality are core to the business model is a plus.

Preferred

• PCQI certification (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) or willingness to obtain

• Prior work in shelf-stable foods

• Experience scaling from pilot to commercial production

• Familiarity with water activity, oil turnover management, and shelf-life testing