Advanced Innovation Engineer
Lancaster, SC
Description

  

Summary of the Position: We are seeking a highly motivated, technically skilled and creative Innovation Engineer with a strong background in food/pharma equipment. This role blends dietary supplement with process engineering and continuous improvement to support product and process innovation and production systems. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in supporting new product development by identifying, evaluating, and recommending cutting-edge tools, new technologies, and equipment. This position is ideal for a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic R&D environment and is passionate about driving innovation through technology. 

This position will work with operations, engineering, quality, business teams, and other functional partners, acting as innovation engineer support on cross-functional new product development and quality improvement/cost savings teams.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Identify, assess, and recommend new equipment, tools, and software solutions to support the development of innovative products and processes.
  • Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes to inform innovation strategies.
  • Design and optimize unit operations production using modeling and simulation software.
  • Conduct proof-of-concept (PoC) and pilot programs for new technologies and assess scalability.
  • Collaborate with software developers to specify, test, and integrate custom process control or monitoring software.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses for new technologies and equipment.
  • Participate in PFMEA, Control Plan, SOP and PPAP generation associated with product transfers and new product launches.
  • Work closely with vendors and suppliers to evaluate product offerings and negotiate specifications, pricing, and delivery schedules.
  • Developing plans for scaling innovative solutions and implementing them in a practical way. 
  • Developing plans for scaling innovative solutions and implementing them in a practical way. 
  • Working with manufacturing engineers and Product Development team to ensure products are manufacturable using Design for Manufacturing OpEx practices.
  • Lead or support the installation, integration, and validation of new equipment into existing development and production workflows.
  • Prepare and present detailed technical reports and recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant safety and regulatory standards during equipment selection and deployment.
  • Follow applicable cGMP processes.
  • Continue education by attending expos and conferences and applying knowledge gained.
  • Communicate effectively with other departments within the organization and function within a team environment.
  • Regular attendance is required.
  • Perform other assigned duties as may be required in meeting company objectives. 
Requirements

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering, or related field.
  • 7 to 10 years of experience in process or equipment engineering, with a focus on innovation or advanced technologies in food, dietary supplement or pharma industries.
  • Strong understanding of food, dietary supplement or pharma processing industrial software platforms.
  • Proven experience in evaluating and deploying emerging technologies in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
  • Experience using Lean-Six Sigma Methodology (DMAIC) and tools including Minitab, FMEA, Fishbone, Process Mapping
  • Experience in a cGMP environment with understanding of cGMP principles and requirements.
  • Experience working as part of a cross functional team.
  • Knowledge of animal feed regulations a plus

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None


This position is 100% on site in our Lancaster, SC location and will require preemployment screenings, including a background check and drug screen.