Cheese Process Engineer I - Capital Projects

Within our corporate headquarters in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Cheese Engineer I (possibility for Associate Engineer or Engineer II  varies based on individual experience) on our Capital Projects team to push the boundaries of innovation, increase efficiency, and optimize our production processes. By leveraging your expertise in process engineering and capital projects, you will help us achieve even higher levels of excellence and drive our organization to new heights.

 

At Leprino Foods, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $84,000 and $101,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 5%.

 

• The corporate Capital Projects Engineering team is responsible for our larger, cross functional capital projects throughout our ten manufacturing facilities. On this team you will work on both new construction and expansions to our production facilities globally. This team also develops all of Leprino’s construction standards for constructing our process environments.
• As a member of the cheese (mozzarella) projects team specifically, you can expect to work on projects installing and commissioning equipment such as cheese vats, curd processing equipment, pasteurizers, heat exchangers, homogenizers, brining tanks, packaging lines, and many others.
• Capital projects engineers are responsible for the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of new equipment such as major cheese packaging or processing lines or existing equipment to reduce downtime, increase capacity, or implement better technology.
• Depending on your level; lead (or lead parts of) capital projects from conception to completion, including budgeting and scheduling.
• Regularly work with food processing and packaging equipment vendors both domestically and internationally on new innovation and R&D.
• Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors to ensure project deadlines are met and equipment is installed and commissioned on schedule.
• While the role is that of a traditional project engineer, this role requires a candidate to have knowledge and experience in process engineering due to the complexity and specialized equipment in the Leprino cheese-make process. Process engineering knowledge allows for understanding of the entire production process, identifying issues or inefficiencies, and make informed decisions about the design and implementation of the capital projects.

 

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s in Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or a very similar subject area such as food or dairy science.
• Experience with mass balance process flows and calculations, P&ID development, tank/storage handling, fluid diversion, mixing of fluid medias, CIP processes, pumps, and valves.
• As an Engineer I, the capital projects team would like to see a candidate having previous project management experience typically in the $2m-$6m range.
• The ability to meet this role’s travel requirements of up to 70% annually.

 

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Experience on the cheese-make process including proficiency with third party food manufacturing/processing equipment such as Tetra Pak, Alfa Laval, GEA, SPX, etc.
• Previous experience as a corporate or plant project engineer in the dairy (cheese, nutrition, yogurt, milk, etc.) industry.

 

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that leverages the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

 

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

 

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back o