Dairy Manufacturing Process Engineer

Location Option 1: Based near MI/OH (Onsite ~60%, Remote otherwise) – Relocation assistance offered

Location Option 2: REMOTE with 75% travel to Grand Rapids

Compensation: $100K–$130k base + bonus + equity

Reports To: VP of Manufacturing & Supply Chain

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.

This is a two-phase position starting as a Manufacturing Process 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.

• Own the planning, design, and startup of new manufacturing capabilities at strategic partner facilities.
• Partner closely with co‑manufacturers’ engineering and operations teams to install, commission, and validate critical processing equipment, including cheese vats, curd systems, pasteurizers, homogenizers, and whey handling infrastructure.
• Establish process parameters, throughput and capacity models, OEE benchmarks, and comprehensive control documentation.
• Ensure all launches meet strict standards for food safety, product quality, and production readiness.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally to drive quality improvements, cost reductions, and operational efficiency across partner plants.
• Support new product launches and capital improvement projects in partnership with internal stakeholders and external manufacturers.
• Act as the technical authority for dairy processing systems, leading root‑cause analysis, troubleshooting, and continuous performance improvement initiatives.
• Align and influence internal teams and external partners around technical priorities and execution plans.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to the VP of Manufacturing & Supply Chain.
• Champion a values‑driven culture grounded in integrity, collaboration, and long‑term thinking.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to be on‑site in Grand Rapids, MI approximately 60% of the time (or 75% when traveling).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated success working across functions.
• Highly organized, self‑directed, and adaptable in fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environments.
• Proficiency in project management, including development and maintenance of Gantt charts and detailed project plans.
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Genuine enthusiasm for purpose‑driven work and alignment with our brand values.

• 3–4+ years of experience in dairy manufacturing (e.g., cultured products, yogurt, cheese, fluid milk) with an emphasis on process or production engineering.
• Demonstrated success leading capital expansion projects or new production line/facility startups.
• Hands‑on experience with dairy processing systems, including pasteurization, homogenization, curd and whey handling, separation, and CIP/SIP.
• Strong grasp of core process engineering principles, including thermal systems, equipment sizing, mass balance, and OEE.
• Experience working with co‑manufacturers or third‑party production partners.
• Proven ability to collaborate closely with R&D, Operations, Engineering, and other cross‑functional teams.

• Experience with cottage cheese or other cultured dairy products
• Background in private‑equity‑backed or high‑growth food and beverage companies

This role goes beyond traditional operations—it’s central to scaling a mission‑driven brand the right way. You’ll help unlock new production capacity while upholding the values that fuel our growth. Join a focused, ambitious team committed to building something meaningful, sustainable, and built to last.