Principal Engineer Process Innovation, Columbus, OH

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Principle Engineer – Part of Process Innovation Team within ANSC Division Engineering Organization. This position applies scientific knowledge, engineering knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity to complete assignments.

Product formats include retort and aseptic shelf stable beverages, nutritional bars, spray dried and dry blended powder formulations. 

Responsibilities include:

Perform pre-PIER / NPD Stage 2 / Pre- FEP Gate 1 feasibility studies for proposed product resourcing and NPD projects to help determine scope, manufacturability, cost, capital, risk and schedule considerations. Support capital FEP (Front End Planning) design process where required. Provide DOE and statistical / data analytical support Process engineering support on PIER and NPD (Stage 2 onwards) technical teams to support ingredient characterization, commercialization of new products and processes internationally (working closely with R&D, Plant and Ingredient SME’s), namely;

Focus on very small-scale (RP4) process DOE and CFD modeling (if required)

Small scale (PRL) trials

Collate data and perform analysis, reaching technical conclusions, preparing and communicating recommendations and respective action plans.

Advise on and lead Pilot Plant scale up trials working closely with product research and development colleagues with full responsibility for establishing process steps and parameters to minimize scalability gap to commercial scale

Design and execute engineering studies

Lead plant trials supporting smooth technical transfer of new and reformulated products working closely with Plant Personnel

Provide process flow diagrams, establishing target DfM KPI’s, process parameter target and limits, manufacturing direction reviews.

Assigned as team single point of contact for selected manufacturing plants within ANSC and will be expected to build in-depth knowledge of plant processes and establish close relationship with site contacts. Provide technical support for complex product/process problem troubleshooting efforts within ANSC & TPM operations. Provide CFD modelling support Support cross-functional technical assessments of new ingredients / ingredient suppliers and potential 3rd party manufacturing facilities (TPM’s) globally which require fast, astute decisions with rapid implementation by utilizing technical training and experience Anticipates future trends by benchmarking internally and externally (e.g. trade shows, public research) as part of Global Engineering Innovation role. Identify and conduct testing to evaluate new process technologies, processing equipment changes that can drive cost reduction initiatives, manufacturing capacity strategies, user experience and/or product quality under the Global Engineering Technology Roadmap. Provide effective communication through verbal and written reports (using approved templates), timely weekly updates, and knowledge sharing. Support multiple, often concurrent, projects and meet assigned deadlines. Responsible for achieving Process Innovation deliverables in support of business objectives. Interface frequently within the organization and external technical experts. May supervise other engineers / technicians and / or mentor PDP’s or interns.

Skills/Experience Requirements – Desired min 7+ years of relevant experience. 

A technical background involving nutritional and food manufacturing processes with emphasis in spray drying, evaporation, and dry blending but also including agitation, liquid heat treatment / homogenization (emulsion technology), aseptic UHT processing / filling, and retort sterilization.

Disciplined and adaptable to work on a variety of projects from engineering design to product research and development. 

Interest in or knowledge of the impact of processing parameters on ingredients and finished product quality. 

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on cross functional teams is critical. 

Ability to effectively analyze and summarize process and product information (using statistical methods) to determine solutions to production and quality issues. 

Strong background or experience in DOE, process/CFD modeling

Knowledge of functional ingredient manufacturing, chemistry and food science is preferred. 

Preferred computer skills include MS Office applications, AutoCad, OSI PI Processbook, Qualtrend, LIMS, QDMS, Minitab or equivalent.

Familiarity with infant formula and food regulations, HACCP/FMEA and GMP standards for quality desired.

Education Requirements – B.S. in Engineering, Chemical/Food preferred. B.S. / postgraduate qualification in Food Science/Food Chemistry also relevant.

Other notes: The group supports the supply chain globally so travel is anticipated.

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