Innovation Engineer

Our client is seeking a qualified Innovation Engineer for a full-time position (onsite) in Lancaster, SC.

*Relocation assistance is available*

The Innovation Engineer will bring 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 and identify potential technology integration and product opportunities.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

· 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.