PPI Engineer

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

• Innovation & New Product Implementation

· Lead end‑to‑end deployment of new product and packaging innovations on site. · Execute R&D deployment strategies to drive production growth, product quality improvement, and manufacturing efficiency. · Ensure the full product portfolio is launched to all target markets with required performance and quality standards, and strictly comply with all R&D specifications.

• Process Management & Line Trial Leadership

· Own and lead all production line trials; complete formal trial reports and provide end‑to‑end technical expertise to the operations team during the entire product implementation lifecycle. · Lead complex problem‑solving for process deviations, non‑conformances, and technical bottlenecks during new product scale‑up. · Validate production line and equipment process capability for new product and process rollout. · Strong plus: Experience in pet food dry kibble extrusion, with hands‑on knowledge of twin‑screw/single‑screw extruders, conditioning, drying, and coating processes. Ability to quickly establish trial protocols based on different formulations and expansion targets, optimizing key process parameters and equipment matching.

• Operational Control & Change Management

· Establish formal operational control systems (including factory portfolio change management) for all new product launches. · Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and quality management systems to stabilise mass production after trial runs. · Manage manufacturing changes, control process risks, and ensure production compliance.

• Cross‑functional Project Coordination & Knowledge Transfer

· Coordinate cross‑functional teams (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain) to deliver deployment projects and drive execution efficiency. · Participate in the regional PPI platform; share best practices, manufacturing technologies, and lessons learned to achieve multi‑site harmonisation. · Act as the key on‑site technical contact for regional R&D and manufacturing networks. · Strong plus: Familiarity with raw material characteristics (cereals, meat meals, fats, etc.) in pet food extrusion, as well as extruder barrel temperature/pressure/screw speed profiles, particle size control, and kibble crispness adjustment. Capable of defining Standard Running Conditions (SRC) based on product formulation and sensory requirements.

• Standardisation & Baseline Definition

· Develop manufacturing standards and define Standard Running Conditions (SRC) for all core production processes. · Formalise material, product, and packaging specifications; embed standard process baselines into daily production management. · Strong plus: Proven experience in commissioning and troubleshooting dry pet food extrusion lines, with familiarity with major equipment brands (e.g., Wenger, Bühler).