Sr Principal Engineer

Location:

Indianapolis, IN

Our client is an internationally recognized manufacturer known for delivering high-quality products to consumers worldwide
. They are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

In this role, you will work closely with Research & Development and Operations teams to support process optimization, pilot plant development, full‑scale start‑up, and product commercialization
. This position also plays a key role in establishing engineering standards, developing technical talent, and contributing to long‑term operational strategy.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical Engineering required)
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in aseptic processing
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of processing equipment and instrumentation
• Experience working in a food‑grade manufacturing environment (FDA, GMP, HACCP)
• Proven experience driving process improvements, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis
• Ability to collaborate with R&D and Operations to scale processes from pilot to commercial production
• Willingness to travel up to 50% as required

• Develop deep expertise in processing operations to support effective troubleshooting, robust process design, and reliable plant performance
• Collaborate with R&D and Operations teams to transition products from pilot plant to full‑scale commercial manufacturing
• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce variation, and enhance product quality
• Analyze production processes to identify bottlenecks, waste, and operational inefficiencies, and implement solutions
• Design processing systems and equipment specifications required for successful commercial production
• Conduct root cause analysis using statistical methods to resolve process failures and implement corrective actions
• Establish processing standards and best practices for current and future manufacturing operations
• Provide mentorship and technical development for junior engineers, strengthening the organization’s engineering capabilities
• Analyze and improve workflow, equipment placement, and facility layout to enhance manufacturing efficiency
• Maintain strong communication with cross‑functional teams involved in operations, engineering, and product development
• Ensure all processes meet regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Promote and support a strong safety culture and safe working environment
• Build relationships with internal and external technical experts to stay current with new technologies and best practices
• Support additional engineering and operational initiatives as required

• Experience leading engineering projects or managing technical teams
• Strong background in process scale‑up, plant start‑ups, and commercialization
• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives and advanced problem‑solving methods

This is an opportunity to join a global organization committed to innovation, quality, and operational excellence
, where you will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing processes, supporting product commercialization, and strengthening engineering leadership.