Process Engineer (Pea Protein)

Job Description

The Process Engineer will join our Pea Protein Isolate Facility new-build in Yorkton SK Canada, which is expected to be completed before end of 2025. This role is integral to both the initial commissioning and ongoing operational phases of the facility, with a focus on Protein Isolate production, starch processing and pulse milling. The Process Engineer will drive the plant’s transition from construction to full operational capacity, ensuring smooth and efficient processes. Ideal candidates will have a background in food or biochemical processing, with specific expertise in starch processing, pulse milling, and plant-based protein isolation.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Commissioning and Greenfield Startup:
   - Work in a multi-disciplinary team during the commissioning and startup of the facility, ensuring that all equipment and systems perform to specifications and meet production goals.
   - Develop and execute comprehensive commissioning and startup plans, including testing, validation, and documentation.
   - Coordinate with construction and engineering teams to oversee equipment installation and ensure readiness for scale-up.
   - Develop training programs for operators and maintenance teams on new equipment and processes to support the transition from commissioning to routine operations.
   - Serve as a technical expert for processing systems, including troubleshooting and optimization during startup.
2. Process Design and Optimization:
   - Optimize processes related to pulse milling, protein extraction, and starch extraction to maximize yield, efficiency, and quality.
   - Monitor process performance and identify areas for improvement in yield, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
   - Develop modifications to equipment and processes based on performance data, ensuring adjustments align with project goals and regulatory standards.
   - Collaborate with R&D to incorporate new product formulations and integrate modifications into the production line seamlessly.
3. Operational Excellence:
   - Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance.
   - Collaborate with the maintenance team to create and refine preventive maintenance plans to support equipment reliability.
   - Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to minimize waste, reduce downtime, and improve process flow, particularly within milling and extraction stages.
   - Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational success and actively monitor these to ensure production goals are consistently met.
4. Safety and Compliance:
   - Ensure all startup and operational processes meet strict regulatory standards, including GMP, HACCP, and safety protocols in food production.
   - Conduct risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and maintain a strong focus on safety, particularly during the transition from construction to operational phases.
   - Proactively monitor and protect the environment by reducing waste and pollution.

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Must have 3 to 5 years of work experience in process engineering within the food processing, biochemical, dairy, or plant-based protein industries, with demonstrated experience in plant startups or commissioning.
• Specific experience with starch processing, pulse milling, and protein extraction processes is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in process simulation and optimization tools (e.g. Minitab).
• Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and project management skills, with experience driving projects from construction through to operational stability.
• Effective leadership and team collaboration abilities, with experience in training and guiding operational staff.
• Preferred expertise in plant-based protein processing, including centrifugation, filtration, and drying techniques.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies is an asset.
• Experience in project environments, especially in scaling up plant-based proteins, dairy production, pulse milling processes is preferred.

Additional Information

What We Offer:
We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.
- Comprehensive benefits program including extended health care and dental coverage, employee and family assistance program, life insurance, and disability coverage.
- Retirement Savings Plan with Employer contributions and matching.
- Paid vacation, paid sick time, and paid statutory holidays.

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities, and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company. We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch, and the environment around us.