Process Engineer

Job Summary

The Process Engineer will lead and support the development, optimization, qualification, and continuous improvement of Valensa's manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for improving process efficiency, product quality, equipment performance, and manufacturing reliability across material handling, supercritical CO₂ extraction, post-processing, liquid formulation, and powder blending operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food ingredient, botanical extraction, or specialty chemical manufacturing environments and possess a strong understanding of GMP-regulated operations, process optimization, equipment qualification, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, the Process Engineer will work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and R&D teams to support manufacturing excellence, operational efficiency, and business growth.

Essential Responsibilities

· Process Engineering & Manufacturing Support

o Develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes for material handling, grinding, extraction, post-processing, liquid formulation, and powder blending operations.

o Monitor process performance and implement improvements to increase yield, throughput, product quality, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.

o Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, batch records, process specifications, and process flow diagrams.

o Lead investigations of process deviations and manufacturing issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

o Support process scale-up, technology transfer, and commercialization of new products.

o Collaborate with Production and Maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reduce downtime.

· Equipment Qualification & Validation

o Support the specification, installation, startup, and qualification of manufacturing equipment and process systems.

o Participate in commissioning, FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ activities.

o Support validation programs, change control, risk assessments, and GMP compliance initiatives.

· Continuous Improvement

o Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data to identify process improvement opportunities.

o Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes and equipment.

o Lead and participate in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.

o Implement process controls, standard work practices, and process standardization initiatives to improve consistency and reduce variability.

o Drive projects that improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize utilization of equipment and labor resources.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration

o Provide technical support for manufacturing troubleshooting, investigations, and product quality initiatives.

o Support the transfer of new formulations and processes into commercial manufacturing.

o Train production personnel on process operations and equipment functionality.

o Support internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.

o Serve as a technical resource for process-related projects and operational improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or production support experience in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food ingredient, botanical extraction, specialty chemical, or related regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with GMP-regulated manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting equipment qualification, process validation, and manufacturing investigations.
• Knowledge of extraction, formulation, powder handling and blending processes preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person