Process Engineer

D2 Process is a member of the D2 Group, a leading international engineering business that includes D2 Stainless and D2 Controls. We have offices in New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan and are focused primarily on the food and beverage sector, delivery projects for major manufacturers throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Most of our work is performed on a design-build and commission basis, for our domestic and international clients.  Our commitment to excellence via our quality programs, innovation, fast-track ability, and cost control has led successful repeat business performance and consequent growth.

Overview

The Process Design Engineer will be responsible for the end-to-end process design of liquid food, beverage, and dairy manufacturing systems. This role requires a strong technical understanding, the ability to translate conceptual designs (PFDs) into detailed engineering specifications (P&IDs, mass balances, equipment sizing), and the capability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop accurate project costings.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Design and Documentation

Process Flow Diagram (PFD) Translation:

Interpret and translate high-level Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) into detailed engineering packages suitable for tender and construction.

Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) Development:

Create and modify accurate and detailed Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), including control loops, instrumentation, and utility connections, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Mass & Energy Balances:

Perform comprehensive mass and energy balances for the entire process to accurately determine stream flow rates, temperature requirements, and utility consumption.

Process Calculations & Sizing:

Execute general process design calculations, including:

+ Line Sizing: Determine optimal pipe diameters for various process streams based on flow rate, viscosity, pressure drop, and velocity constraints.

+ Pump Sizing and Specification: Select and specify appropriate pumps (e.g., centrifugal, positive displacement) based on required flow, head, NPSHa/r, and fluid characteristics.

+ Sizing and specification of heat exchangers, tanks, and other key process equipment.

2. Cost Estimation & Collaboration

Engineering Collaboration: Act as the technical lead for process scope, liaising closely with internal and external stakeholders.

Costing Input: Develop detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for all process equipment, piping, valves, and instrumentation.

Multidisciplinary Liaison: Work in close collaboration with the:

+ Automation Department: Define process control philosophy and instrumentation requirements.

+ Electrical Department: Specify power requirements for motors and instrumentation.

+ Technical Department: Finalize equipment layout, structural requirements, and installation scope.

Proposal Development: Contribute technical content, design rationale, and cost estimates to formal project proposals and tenders.

3. Technical Standards & Compliance

Ensure all designs comply with relevant New Zealand and international standards for the food, beverage, and dairy industries (e.g., hygienic design principles, sanitary standards, safety regulations).

Participate in Hazards and Operability (HAZOP) studies and design reviews to ensure inherently safe and operable designs.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering (or a closely related field).

Experience: Proven experience (e.g., 5+ years) in process design, specifically within the liquid food, beverage, or dairy sector is essential.

Technical: Expert proficiency in creating and reading PFDs and P&IDs. Strong working knowledge of general process design tools and principles (e.g., pipe flow calculations, pump hydraulics, mass/energy balance).

Industry Knowledge: Excellent understanding of hygienic design principles, CIP (Clean-in-Place) circuits, pasteurisation, UHT, mixing, and filtration processes common in liquid processing.

Location: Must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and willing to be based in or commute to Hamilton.

Soft Skills: Excellent communication (written and verbal), attention to detail, and a collaborative team attitude.

Benefits & Culture

D2 Process offers a challenging and rewarding role within a supportive, innovation-focused environment. We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work on high-profile projects shaping the future of the food and dairy industries.