Manager, R&D Process Engineering

Company: StarKist Co.
Location: Reston
Posted on: April 17, 2025

Job Description:

Manager, Research & Development Process Engineering

Do you have the right skills and experience for this role Read on to find out, and make your application.



This position is located in Reston, VA
This position is not remote work
US Citizenship or Green Card Holder - no sponsorship available



PURPOSE -



Knowledge of process development. Provide technical expertise and leadership to ensure R&D projects with new processing requirements are commercialized effectively and efficiently. Utilize problem-solving skills to scale up new or modified processes from bench to factory.
Support and lead the evaluation of alternatives and set up of a new R&D pilot plant for small-scale samples production and preliminary process & scale-up testing.



PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES -.



Supports and drives R&D Process Engineering activities to completion within specified timelines. Ability to work collaboratively on project teams and deliver project goals on time.
Assure that projects are conducted with technical rigor, a sense of urgency, and efficiency from bench development, pilot plant, to factory scale-up. Develop, evaluate, and interpret experimental analytical data and provide recommendations through accurate technical reports.
Support factory operations on projects involving process optimization, quality improvements, and value engineering. Troubleshoot and solve problems related to processing.
Base Product and Process Optimization: Work with the Product Development, Packaging Development, Quality Assurance, and Operations groups to support the base business product line on initiatives such as value engineering and improving product quality.
New Product Development / Innovation: Support the Product Development team with factory equipment and process development expertise to address new processing requirements based on new ingredients and product designs.
Support and lead the study, business case development, equipment selection, procurement, site search, design, and implementation of an R&D pilot plant for small-scale samples production and preliminary scale-up testing.
Some projects require travel to various company production locations such as American Samoa, Ecuador, Africa, and others. Approximate average travel 20-30%, in some cases for extended periods of up to 10 to 15 days (passport required).
Lead cross-functional teams managing the development and commercialization process.



KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES -



10+ years of professional experience in Process Development.
Bachelor's degree in Food, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
Creative development and problem-solving skills.
Experience with equipment for handling food ingredients, batching, blending, and filling.
Has participated in developing equipment specifications and manufacturing lines design, installation and commissioning projects.
Experience in project management, including FATs, SATs, scale-up, and production start-ups of new manufacturing equipment. International experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Previous experience in fish processing, can and pouch filling, and retort processing is desirable but not mandatory.
Comfortable working in a processing plant environment.
Approximate average travel 20-30%, in some cases for extended periods of up to 10 to 15 days (passport required).
Basic computer skills required: Microsoft Office and basic knowledge of 2D CAD systems for reviewing equipment and factory drawings.
Bilingual skills (Spanish, Korean, French) are a plus, but not mandatory.





If you have a disability and cannot apply online, please mail your resume and cover letter to:



StarKist Co.

1875 Explorer Street

10th Floor

Reston, VA 20190

ATTN: Human Resources



Please note: this option is for individuals with disabilities only.



StarKist Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability

Keywords: StarKist Co., Dale City , Manager, R&D Process Engineering, Executive , Reston, Virginia