At Apeel, we look to nature to help the global food system extend quality, prevent waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet.
We believe that our most essential ingredient in our recipe for success is our people. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone is welcomed, and can bring their full, authentic selves into everything they do at Apeel. Humility, Ingenuity, Leadership, Teamwork and Grit are the values that define us and how we work with each other, customers, and communities across the globe.
About This Role
At Apeel Sciences, we look to nature to help the global food system improve quality, reduce waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet. We are seeking a Process Engineer II to lead experimentally determining optimal application parameters to consistently achieve product performance targets, thereby delivering substantial product value.
The Process Engineer II is situated within the Technology team and reports directly to the Director of Technology. You will collaborate with Sustaining Engineers, Process Engineers, and other professionals to enhance Apeel products. You will be a pivotal part in driving the commercial success of the organization, leveraging expertise in formula, fruit, and process engineering.
You’ll be responsible for sites in Brazil and other countries in the South American region. This position will have up to a 75% travel requirement. Applicants must be fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and professionally proficient in English.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct experiments and collect data on in-field experimental product performance by traveling to packing houses
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of packing house processes and fruit physiology
- Support or lead multiple complex projects/initiatives/work items under broad supervision
- Take the lead on complex tests at supplier sites
- Define target metrics for value propositions across in-market categories
- Innovate and define new value propositions for existing categories
- Manage Holdback Program/Performance Monitoring Program (PMP) for existing categories
- Oversee central lab/lab tech management and central mixing support
- Drive continuous process optimization across various stages: mixing, treatment, drying, packing, and quality evaluation
- Define process parameters and conduct trials for existing categories, new processes, regions, equipment, formulas, and lines
- Provide recommendations for equipment changes impacting multiple sites
- Author and execute Product Application Qualification (PAQ) plans, internally and externally
- Evaluate 3rd party products or QC tools, conduct demos, and manage technical sales support
- Develop training materials (videos, guidebooks, live sessions) and provide technical support for Sustaining Engineering, Engineering Project Management, and Product Development projects
- Independently troubleshoot at a moderate level with minimal support
- Understand key business drivers and utilize this understanding to accomplish work objectives
- Serve as backup for operators when needed and execute site and central lab audits
- Proficiency with PQ tools and process optimization for all existing sites and central labs
- Develop and optimize PQ tools as necessary
- Perform any other duties and activities required to support the responsibilities and objectives of the role and the organization
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience in process engineering, preferably in the food or agricultural industry
- Proficiency in English, Portuguese, and Spanish
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint) and Google Suite (Drive, Documents, Spreadsheets, Slides)
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and initiatives
- Experience with process optimization, equipment commissioning, and product development
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment
At Apeel, we value potential and recognize that great candidates come from diverse backgrounds. We seek to build a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. If you are enthusiastic about this role and believe your unique perspective would be an asset to our team, but don't meet every qualification, please don't hesitate to apply!Apeel believes that the scale of our impact is determined by the teams that work with us. As such, we seek to build high-performing teams of people from various experiences and backgrounds who can collectively push our company into new realms.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. If you have any need for accommodations, you can let us know if you choose and know that we will do our best to assist you.
