Food Process Engineer

About LAPORTE

LAPORTE is a consulting engineering firm delivering expert engineering services to the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, industrial biotechnology, and industrial manufacturing sectors. With 30 locations throughout North America and Europe, the company employs over 520 professionals and is independently owned by 45 principal engineers.

The company fosters a stimulating and flexible work environment that promotes autonomy, collaboration, professional growth, and a healthy work-life balance, encouraging both creativity and efficiency daily.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Food Process Engineer with 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in process design within the food, beverage, or biotechnology industries. Based in Toronto, Ontario, this role involves designing and managing engineering projects ensuring compliance with applicable codes, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across North America, and supporting business development initiatives.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Gather and define client requirements and project scope.
• Evaluate client specifications for alignment with project needs.
• Lead all project phases ensuring adherence to codes, scope, schedule, and budget.
• Create conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs, including drawings and specifications.
• Review engineering output to maintain quality and identify project risks.
• Conduct work following company’s professional practice management standards.
• Prepare technical reports and analyses to support design submissions.
• Assess shop drawings for compliance and assist in developing engineering standards.
• Coordinate with suppliers and contractors to obtain and monitor proposals.
• Visit project sites as necessary for surveys and project-related activities.
• Manage project deliverables and execution (approximately 50% of workload).
• Perform process, utilities, and mechanical system designs (approximately 50% of workload).
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams across various regions.
• Lead project team meetings as chairperson.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of local codes and applicable standards.
• Maintain and update reference standards and internal best practices.
• Initiate and champion improvements to operational procedures.
• Support positive relationships with clients and other consultants.
• Engage in business development and explore growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related discipline.
• Provincial Professional Engineer (P.Eng) certification or eligibility to obtain it.
• 6 to 10 years of progressive experience in process design within food, beverage, or biotechnology sectors.
• Competence in fluid and bulk material handling systems, including process flow diagrams, heat and material balances, and P&IDs.
• Experience designing sanitary processes including piping, vessels, and cleaning in place (CIP) systems.
• Familiarity with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations and HACCP requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is advantageous.
• Ability to apply post-implementation continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Revit software.
• Willingness to travel to manufacturing locations as required.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and industry benchmarks.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, vision, and childcare from the first day.
• Employer-contributed RRSP retirement savings plan at 4% contribution.
• Flexible hybrid work model requiring a minimum of two days per week on-site.
• Strong emphasis on professional development, including employer-paid professional fees for certifications.
• Career advancement support through mentorship, training, and cross-departmental opportunities.
• Generous vacation entitlement with three weeks regular vacation plus one week paid during Christmas, along with personal/sick leave.
• An inclusive culture valuing diversity, equity, flexibility, and work-life integration.
• Regular team-building activities including education sessions, retreats, outdoor events, family gatherings, and workshops.
• Additional employee benefits such as public transit and telephone expense reimbursement.