Job Description

Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich's is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich's-Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
The Process Development Engineer I will operate within the Science and Technology Center of Excellence (S&T CoE), as part of the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC) team. This role focuses on short- to mid-term projects and serves as the engineering technical lead on low to medium complexity initiatives involving process and product innovation, renovation, optimization, and cost savings across assigned product categories, such as Pizza, Bakery, Protein, Desserts and others.
The Process Development Engineer I will support new or existing product and process development, network standardization, and plant engineering optimization by researching, designing, developing, managing, and executing innovations in both individual equipment and complete process systems.
This role is based in Buffalo, NY with expected travel of up to 30% annually, dependent on project needs.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Execute low to medium complexity process development activities from concept to commercialization. Accurately identifies project requirements applying the right production capability, ingredients, formulations to match customer/consumers needs, product specifications, and financial targets.

• Follow established guidelines and protocol, scientific approach and statistical analysis, conduct process or product development research, plant trials, plant start-ups, sensory, shelf-life stability studies, capability studies, and specifications development.

• Support the study of process and equipment alternatives and Pilot Equipment Validation through Design of Experiments (DOE) to determine the effect of process parameters on product quality, throughput, and cost. Develop SOPs for laboratory and pilot Equipment.

• Applies existing and emerging engineering/scientific knowledge to solve complex problems.

• Consult with broader team to provide technical support to resolve low to medium complexity production and quality issues: identifying root cause, develop & implement technical solutions, including training QA/Operations personnel on findings within assigned product category areas.

• Engages with internal and external centers of expertise, including industry tradeshows, equipment vendors, patent/literature searches, and open innovation platforms.

• Evaluates and integrates input from vendors, consultants, design groups, engineering teams, and packaging suppliers to identify potential solutions.

• Support an environment that fosters innovation by continually introducing ideas and product concepts for new products, quality improvements, and productivity and facilitate calculated risk taking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in chemical/food/mechanical Engineer or related engineering field.

• Some experience (e.g., co-op, internship, or lab work) in food processing or product development.

• Strong research and analytical skills, including setting up design of experiments utilizing bench or pilot equipment and performing research individually or as part of a broader team.

• Basic understanding of food systems, ingredients, packaging, and processing interactions, experimental design and statistical analysis.

• Manual ability to operate various equipment such as lab and pilot plant equipment, etc., stand for 6 or more hours during the day, and able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Skills & Competencies

• Solid interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• Ability to work in cross-functional teams.

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and can comfortably manage risks, changing priorities, and uncertainty with guidance.

• Solid PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), databases, statistical software, and ability to learn relevant tools (e.g., PLM).

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COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$67,007.35 - $90,657.01
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), are committed to a policy of , standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich's. Please contact Rich's Associate Experience Network at if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.
As a family-owned company, caring for our associates--their whole selves--is a top priority. That's why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:

• Competitive compensation
• Health & financial benefits
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Family planning support
• Flexible work policy
• Associate resource groups
• Volunteering & community impact opportunities
• Holiday gatherings
• In-house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!

It's all part of how we support our family of associates. Because in the company of family, all things are possible.
MEET RICH'S.
Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $3.8 billion, Rich's is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich's--Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

Skills Required