Food Process Engineer

Food Process Engineer

DWC FoodTech is a small consultancy company specialising in thermal processing technologies. We are seeking a Food Process Engineer for the Melbourne office to provide engineering experience and knowledge to assist in day-to-day thermal processing activities including equipment validation, general consultancy, delivering training programs (in person and online), process design, root cause analyses and general daily tasks.

If you enjoy working with a variety of processing systems across a range of different food products, whilst being a key member of a small team with project responsibilities and can work out of a home office environment and enjoy travelling, this role is ideal.

About DWC FoodTech

DWC FoodTech is a thermal processing and food technology consultancy that provides the national and international food, beverage and packaging industries and Government regulators with specialist validation skills, technical expertise and training for the manufacture and packaging of refrigerated and shelf-stable heat-processed foods.

Our staff are qualified in Food Technology, Food Microbiology, Food Process Engineering, Management and Business which enables us to develop, implement and audit commercial thermal processes to ensure that they are consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and whilst optimising quality, energy and production efficiencies.

DWC FoodTech client base extends predominantly throughout Australia and New Zealand, however, also extends to Asia, Pacific Islands, USA, Europe and the Middle East.

Your role as Food Process Engineer

In the position of Food Process Engineer your responsibilities will include:

• Validation of thermal processing equipment, including (but not limited to) retorting systems, UHT-aseptic systems, hot-fill systems, microwave systems, oven cookers and novel technologies used for the sterilisation and pasteurisation of foods and beverages
• Validation of the adequacy of thermal processes delivered (sterilisation and pasteurisation) for food and beverage products
• Presentation and development of DWC FoodTech’s standard and specialist training programs
• Perform design qualifications of our client’s thermal processing systems, taking this from concept to production
• Review HACCP plans, P&IDs, engineering drawings and other documentation as part of design reviews and design qualifications
• Completion of detailed reports following validation activities to satisfy regulatory standards (i.e. US FDA)
• Providing engineering knowledge and experience on day-to-day activities
• Providing food safety/product development knowledge on day-to-day activities
• Provide technical support and training to local and international clients
• Develop validation proposals and protocols
• Assist in the support and development of DWC FoodTech’s thermal processing software packages
• Travel to clients’ sites (local, interstate and international) to complete onsite validation and training activities (estimated 30 to 40% travel)
• Complete thermal process calculations and analysis

Salary Package

Negotiable salary package (your salary package will reflect your level of experience), with an annual bonus provided in addition to your base salary which is determined on individual and company performance. As the role requires working from a home office (work remotely), office equipment such as a laptop and monitors (and accessories) are provided.

Essential for the role

• Degree qualified in an Engineering field (chemical or mechanical preferred)
• A double degree in science is a preference
• Good work ethic as certain contracts require long days in factory settings under sometimes challenging environmental conditions (i.e. hot factories)
• Ability to travel and work at our clients sites for up to 2 week periods. Estimated travel requirements up to 30 to 40% per year
• Ability to work flexible hours due to travel and onsite work schedules
• Keen eye for detail and willingness to learn
• Ability to work in a highly motivated team from a home office environment with reliable internet
• Ability to store specific work tools in the home office when required
• Be able to represent DWC FoodTech to clients in a professional manner
• Ability to build strong business relationships with both internal and external customers
• Be able to travel (flights and driving) within Australia and internationally
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Current passport
• Own reliable transport (i.e. car) and driver’s license

Desirables for the role

• 3+ years working in a food or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with processing and packaging equipment principles and operation
• Knowledge of UHT processing, aseptic packaging and filling equipment
• Knowledge of relevant food safety requirements

Why DWC FoodTech

At DWC FoodTech, we are dedicated to providing the food and beverage industry with World Class consultancy services specialising in thermal processing of low-acid and acid foods and beverages. Our consultancy services are specifically designed to assist multinational and small food manufacturers to supply safe and wholesome foods to their global and/or local customer bases. As Australia’s leading Process Authority, DWC FoodTech’s employees are recognised as industry experts by regulatory bodies and by food and beverage manufacturers of low-acid and acid foods. Working with DWC FoodTech provides the perfect environment for our employees to become highly specialised experts in this area of work.

We are dedicated to providing a great place to work, whether it be working remotely or at client sites, where you will be empowered to push boundaries and unleash your full potential. The role can be demanding and, at times, will require a flexible work schedule. However, as a small company, we pride ourselves on recognising that flexibility is a mutual obligation shared by employer and employee.

Whilst our office is based in Melbourne, there is no requirement to live in Melbourne and make the daily commute to an office, enjoying more time doing what you enjoy best. Employees have enjoyed living and working from home offices in Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong, commuting to client sites in Melbourne, regional Victoria and Melbourne Airport (for interstate and international clients) when required.

What to do next?

If you feel this position is suitable for you, we want to hear from you.

Please submit a cover letter including details on why you believe you are a great fit for our small company and resume.

Further information on DWC FoodTech can be found on our website (https://dwcfoodtech.com.au/)