Job Title: Food Engineer Product Optimization SpecialistJob Description

As a Food Engineer Product Optimization Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing food processing methods to enhance efficiency and ensure quality. You will play a key role in scaling up lab concepts to full-scale manufacturing and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

ResponsibilitiesDevelop, test, and optimize food processing methods including heating, cooling, mixing, extrusion, fermentation, and dehydration.Analyze process parameters to enhance yield, reduce scrap, and increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).Conduct feasibility studies, bench-scale experiments, and plant-scale trials.Translate lab and pilot-plant concepts into full-scale manufacturing processes.Support equipment qualification, commissioning, and troubleshooting during new product launches.Partner with suppliers to evaluate new technologies and equipment.Ensure processes comply with food safety standards (HACCP, FSMA, GMP).Collaborate with Quality teams to resolve formulation, process, or sensory issues.Document process controls, SOPs, and validation protocols.Work with R&D on formulation adjustments required for manufacturability.Partner with Operations and Engineering to resolve production issues.Support Supply Chain with ingredient, equipment, or capacity changes.Use KPIs and data analysis to justify process adjustments or cost-savings initiatives.Maintain project documentation, including charters, timelines, reports, and post-launch reviews.Manage multiple concurrent engineering projects with minimal supervision.Essential SkillsBachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field.3–7 years of experience in food manufacturing, process engineering, or product commercialization.Knowledge of key food-processing unit operations and food chemistry.Strong analytical and project management skills.Experience with statistical analysis tools is a plus.Hands-on experience with plant trials and scale-up activities.Understanding of regulatory and safety requirements (HACCP, FSMA, GMP).Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in data analysis and KPI management.Background in research and development.Work Environment

There are roughly 400 employees at the East Hanover site, and most work a hybrid schedule with remote options available. The typical schedule includes onsite work 2-3 days per week, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays. Candidates are preferred to come onsite at least one day a week, but fully remote options are available for the right fit. The company offers free lunch for all employees and consultants from Monday to Friday.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in East Hanover,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.