Job Information
Steuben Foods Inc Senior Process Engineer Auditing Director in Elma, New York
Overview: Steuben Foods, a leader in innovative and quality-focused food processing, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process Engineer Auditing Director. This role is pivotal in ensuring the excellence and integrity of our blending, processing, and sterilization functions. The successful candidate will develop and implement comprehensive auditing plans, continuously improve our standard operating procedures, and ensure adherence to industry best practices and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
Audit Development & Execution:
Develop and implement auditing plans and processes to validate blending, processing, and filler sterilization and operational functions.
Work closely with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Steuben Process Authorities to validate continuous improvement processes for existing and new functions.
Participate in equipment validation and commissioning activities with Process Authorities and OEM
Continuous Improvement:
Develop auditing processes to challenge and enhance daily Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training tools.
Monitor aseptic processes to identify and address abnormalities, using predictive approaches to prevent in-sterilities and quality outliers.
Participate in customer Process Authority Audits
Preventive Maintenance:
Audit Preventive Maintenance (PM) cycles and recommend adjustments to optimize performance and reliability.
Take proactive measures to ensure equipment integrity and operational efficiency.
Authority:
Decision-Making Power:
Authority to remove equipment from production for inspection and repairs based on audit findings.
Involvement in production event discussions to determine corrective actions and process improvements.
Predictive Monitoring:
Use data-driven insights to predict and prevent issues, ensuring adjustments to PM schedules to enhance operational reliability.
Requirements
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Technical master’s degree in microbiology or engineering is preferred. A PhD in Microbiology or Food Science is highly desirable.
Technical Expertise:
Extensive knowledge of Low Acid Aseptic Processing and Packaging systems, and the regulatory and GMP requirements related to running them. High Acid processing experience/knowledge is a plus.
Strong understanding of low acid and high acid processing, blending, and filling.
Familiarity with FDA validation processes and the ability to present at Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) sessions.
Experience with direct and indirect UHT systems, paperboard, pouch and/or plastic bottle filling equipment.
Knowledge of ingredient manufacturing from agricultural inputs and blending from powder ingredients is advantageous.
Certifications & Training:
Willingness to train as an internal, adhering to all low acid regulations and procedures.
Training in Tetra Pak Processing, Tetra Pak Aseptic Packaging, SIG Aseptic Packaging, and courses such as Better Processing School at Cornell.
Experience working with third-party auditors.
Experience:
At least 15 years in the food or beverage industry with extensive experience in plants operating low acid aseptic processing and filling equipment or a corporate technical services role serving aseptic processing plants.
Expert knowledge of low acid aseptic process and filler design and operating requirements.
Expert knowledge of validation protocols for low acid aseptic continuous processing and filling equipment.
Expert knowledge of all FDA LACF Processing, Packaging, and Documentation regulations.
Experience implementing quality systems to meet regulatory and GMP requirements.
Experience working with high-level managers and hourly employees across multiple departments.
Developing and Monitoring Predictive process monitoring tools
Leadership & Skills:
Strong leadership abilities, able to work with other high-level managers and hourly employees across multiple departments.
Self-starter and highly motivated.
Ability to serve as the internal for the company, performing facility and process evaluations for food safety risk assessments, leading evaluations and root cause analyses of process deviations, and providing leadership in developing and continuously improving the regulatory compliance programs.
Why Join Us? At Steuben Foods, we are dedicated to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. As the Senior Process Engineer Auditing Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our processing capabilities, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values expertise, innovation, and continuous learning.