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Dairy Process Engineer

Location: Based near MI/OH (Onsite ~60%, Remote otherwise)
Compensation: $145K–$160K base (flex up to $185K)
Relocation: Offered
Travel: Up to 60% during project phases; 40% in optimization phase
Reports To: VP of Manufacturing & Supply Chain

About the Company

We’re partnering with a fast-growing, PE-backed cultured dairy brand that’s redefining how clean, regenerative food shows up on the shelf. With 80% YoY growth and an ambitious manufacturing expansion underway, this role is the first critical hire to support a multi-phase capacity unlock project. The company operates with a lean, values-driven team and is deeply committed to sustainable sourcing, small farms, and scaling the right way.

About the Role

This is a two-phase position starting as a Project Engineer and transitioning into an Optimization Engineering role. You’ll work directly with internal leadership and co-manufacturing partners to design, launch, and scale dairy production systems — then own continuous improvement across the network. Your work will directly unlock manufacturing capacity, increase throughput, and drive long-term product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1: Expansion Projects

• Lead the design, coordination, and ramp-up of new production capabilities at strategic partner sites

• Collaborate with co-manufacturers’ engineering and operations teams to install and commission key processing equipment (e.g., cheese vats, curd processors, pasteurizers, homogenizers, whey systems)

• Develop process parameters, throughput models, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) baselines, and detailed control documentation

• Ensure every launch meets our rigorous standards for food safety, product quality, and capacity

Phase 2: Process Optimization

• Work cross-functionally to improve product quality, lower costs, and enhance overall plant efficiency

• Support new product introductions and capital improvement initiatives alongside internal teams and external partners

• Serve as a subject matter expert on dairy processing systems, leading troubleshooting and performance improvement efforts

Always-On Leadership

• Influence and align internal and external teams to deliver on technical and operational priorities

• Act as a strategic advisor to the VP of Manufacturing & Supply Chain

• Foster a mission-driven culture that values integrity, teamwork, and long-term thinking

What We’re Looking For

Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Food Engineering, or a related discipline

• Ability to travel up to 60% during initial phases (primarily within Michigan and Ohio)

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a track record of effective cross-functional collaboration

• Highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments

• Skilled in project management, including creating and maintaining Gantt charts and detailed project timelines

• Familiar with Continuous Improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

• Passion for purpose-driven work and alignment with our brand values

Experience

• 5+ years in food or dairy manufacturing with a focus on process or production engineering

• Proven success leading capital expansion projects or new facility buildouts

• Hands-on experience with dairy systems such as pasteurization, homogenization, curd and whey handling, separation, and CIP/SIP

• Strong understanding of process fundamentals including thermal systems, equipment sizing, mass balancing, and OEE

• Experience working with co-manufacturing or third-party production partners

• History of working closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Operations, and Engineering

Bonus Experience (Preferred but Not Required):

• Background in cottage cheese or other cultured dairy products

• Experience in PE-backed or rapidly scaling, high-growth food companies

Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just an operations job — it’s a mission-critical role that sits at the intersection of scale and purpose. You’ll play a key part in unlocking new production capacity for a brand that’s growing fast because of its values, not despite them. Join a grounded, driven team that’s serious about building something meaningful — and doing it right.

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