Within our corporate headquarters in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Cheese Process Engineer I - Capital Projects (possibility for Engineer II or Senior-level varies based on individual experience) on our Capital Projects team to push the boundaries of innovation, increase efficiency, and optimize our production processes. By leveraging your expertise in process engineering and capital projects, you will help us achieve even higher levels of excellence and drive our organization to new heights.
At Leprino, starting compensation for Cheese Engineer I typically ranges between $84,000 and $101,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 5%.
The corporate Capital Projects Engineering team is responsible for our larger, cross functional capital projects throughout our ten manufacturing facilities. On this team you will work on both new construction and expansions to our production facilities globally. This team also develops all of Leprino’s construction standards for constructing our process environments.
Work on projects installing and commissioning equipment such as cheese vats, curd processing equipment, pasteurizers, heat exchangers, homogenizers, brining tanks, packaging lines, and many others. Support capital projects from planning to completion, ensuring projects align with safety, efficiency, and quality goals. Depending on your level; lead (or lead parts of) capital projects from conception to completion, including budgeting and scheduling. Regularly work with food processing and packaging equipment vendors both domestically and internationally on new innovation and R&D. Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors to ensure project deadlines are met and equipment is installed and commissioned on schedule. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement process improvements for cheese production and packaging. Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in equipment functionality, process design, and production scalability. Travel to manufacturing sites to support project execution, equipment testing, and start-up activities.
You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field such as Food or Dairy Science. Previous engineering experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related industries Experience with mass balance process flows and calculations, P&ID development, tank/storage handling, fluid diversion, mixing of fluid medias, CIP processes, pumps, and valves. Experience managing capital projects, typically within the $2M-$6M range as an Engineer I Ability to travel up to 60% annually for project work. The ability to work a weekly 3/2 (office/home) hybrid schedule.
We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
Experience on the cheese-make process including proficiency with third party food manufacturing/processing equipment such as Tetra Pak, Alfa Laval, GEA, SPX, etc. Previous experience as a corporate or plant project engineer in the dairy (cheese, nutrition, yogurt, milk, etc.) industry.
At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Offering You In Return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino's history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino Foods is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three passionate individuals in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to well over 5,000 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?