Process engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

The Process Engineer designs and develops fluid process systems ranging from individual equipment such as CIP skids to complete production lines and full plant layouts. This role leads projects from concept through process design, equipment sizing and specification, installation, start-up, and commissioning, with a strong focus on regulated food and beverage processing environments. The Process Engineer collaborates closely with internal teams, contractors, vendors, and clients to deliver efficient, compliant, and cost-effective process solutions while driving continuous improvement and supporting the organization’s significant growth and expansion goals.

Responsibilities

• Design and lay out fluid process systems for food and beverage applications, including single pieces of equipment, individual lines, and complete plants.
• Apply strong knowledge of batching, processing, packaging, CIP/COP, pasteurization, filtration, and heat exchangers to develop robust process solutions.
• Design utility systems such as steam, condensate, glycol, tower water, and city water to support process operations.
• Evaluate and calculate cooling and heating loads and apply sound thermodynamics and heat transfer principles to system design.
• Select and specify appropriate pumps, valves, and associated components for fluid food movement in each application.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including mass balances, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and utility and equipment matrices.
• Create timelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and performance specifications for process equipment to support installation and operation.
• Prepare and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and support capital project activities including quoting, procurement, installation, and commissioning of equipment.
• Identify process improvement opportunities, analyze root causes, and implement action plans to enhance efficiency, reliability, and product quality.
• Collaborate and negotiate with equipment vendors to evaluate solutions, clarify specifications, and ensure successful project outcomes.
• Work within established engineering policies and procedures to ensure consistent, professional treatment of customers and project stakeholders.
• Travel to customer facilities to gather project information, assess plant conditions, troubleshoot process and piping issues, and respond to client needs.
• Requisition or purchase essential parts and equipment required for project execution.
• Manage or supervise field personnel performing work at customer plants to ensure safe, high-quality, and timely installation and commissioning.
• Use 3D modeling tools, preferably Plant 3D, to develop P&IDs and related models, and use AutoCAD for 2D plant layout design.
• Consult with clients on process challenges such as piping problems, efficiency issues, and line layout constraints, and provide quoted, engineered solutions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering disciplines, including mechanical, structural, electrical, fabrication, and installation teams, to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of documentation, automation, and process optimization practices across projects.
• Maintain clear, timely, and professional verbal and written communication with colleagues, contractors, vendors, and clients throughout all project phases.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in process engineering, with strong experience in fluid processing.
• Hands-on experience in regulated food and beverage environments, preferably dairy or pasteurization processes with stricter regulations.
• Proven expertise in thermodynamics and heat transfer, including design of heating and cooling systems and calculation of thermal loads.
• Strong understanding of fluid food movement and the selection and application of pumps and valves for sanitary processing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design process systems and create P&IDs and related documentation.
• Capital project experience covering quoting, procurement, installation, and commissioning of process equipment.
• Experience with 3D modeling for P&IDs, preferably using Plant 3D.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for 2D modeling and plant layout development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (4-year degree) or 5–10 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulatory requirements relevant to food and beverage processing.
• Familiarity with Dairy 3A standards and guidelines.
• Ability to develop mass balances, PFDs, P&IDs, utility and equipment matrices, SOPs, and performance specifications.
• Understanding of instrumentation and controls as they relate to process systems.
• Proficiency with internet software and the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills, including active listening, approachability, constructive questioning, and collaborative participation.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with a professional, respectful, positive, and enthusiastic approach.
• Ability to supervise field personnel and provide leadership in on-site project execution.
• Valid US driver’s license to support travel to client sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Supervisory or team leadership experience is preferred.
• Experience with process optimization, including MES and automation systems, is a strong value add and growth opportunity.
• Ability to walk into an operating plant, quickly diagnose piping, efficiency, or line layout issues, and provide consultative, engineered solutions and project coordination.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering and project management in a food and beverage context.
• Familiarity with additional design tools such as SolidWorks is beneficial.
• Comfort working across multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical, process, structural, electrical, fabrication, and installation.
• Ability to thrive in a growing organization that is scaling headcount and capabilities to meet ambitious revenue and market expansion goals.
• Interest in long-term career growth, with potential future leadership opportunities as the engineering organization expands.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze complex systems and implement practical, cost-effective improvements.
• High level of personal accountability, initiative, and ownership over project outcomes.

Work Environment

The Process Engineer works within a multidisciplinary engineering organization that includes mechanical, process, structural, electrical, fabrication, and installation teams, supported by project management. The company is established with decades of experience yet is in a strong growth phase, expanding capabilities and headcount to meet increasing demand in the food and beverage sector, particularly in dairy-related products and automation and infrastructure upgrades.

Engineers may work remotely and can be located anywhere within the state, with flexibility based on distance from the main office. Team members within roughly one hour to two hours often come into the office more frequently for collaboration. Engineers who live within approximately two hours may come in weekly, while those farther away are generally expected to come in once a month for leadership meetings, project collaboration, and team interaction. For out-of-state engineers, the expectation is typically at least one in-person visit per year, around the end-of-year period, with the option to visit more often.

The role involves approximately 40% travel, depending on project phase. Travel may include day trips or multi-day visits (often 3–4 days) to customer plants for installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and client meetings. Domestic air travel may be required for larger projects. The company reimburses travel-related expenses such as hotel, food, and mileage for trips to the office and to job sites.

The work environment is project-driven and collaborative, with a focus on delivering high-quality engineering solutions to food and beverage clients undergoing capital investments, automation upgrades, and facility improvements. Engineers use tools such as AutoCAD for 2D layouts, Plant 3D or similar software for 3D modeling, and standard office applications for documentation and project management. The position is a full-time, salaried, exempt role. The organization is implementing a structured KPI-based bonus plan that aligns incentives with business performance, with tiered opportunities based on role and level. The culture emphasizes professional respect, open communication, teamwork, and enthusiasm for innovation and continuous improvement in a growing market.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $76.92/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 fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.