The Senior Compliance Engineer – 3-A Sanitary Valve Systems is a subject matter expert (SME) responsible for leading hygienic design compliance and regulatory assurance for valve systems used in critical fluid handling applications across food and beverage operations. This role ensures all sanitary valve systems—used in product transfer, CIP/SIP, and utility applications—meet stringent 3-A, EHEDG, FDA, and USDA requirements. The engineer leads validation efforts, regulatory inspections, equipment qualification, and cross-functional design reviews to support food safety, process integrity, and compliance excellence across manufacturing sites.
Lead compliance strategy for sanitary valve systems across multiple sites and projects, ensuring adherence to 3-A Sanitary Standards, EHEDG guidelines, and FSMA regulations.
Serve as the primary hygienic design reviewer for valve equipment packages, including mixproof clusters, diaphragm valves, and divert valve blocks.
Develop internal standards and design guides for valve selection, orientation, drainability, and cleanability to ensure regulatory alignment.
Oversee qualification and validation of CIP/SIP-controlled valve systems, including documentation of IQ/OQ protocols and swab testing outcomes.
Lead root cause analysis and CAPA development for valve-related deviations, inspection findings, or nonconformances during regulatory or third-party audits.
Represent engineering in FDA/USDA inspections, GFSI audits, and supplier qualification reviews related to fluid handling systems.
Maintain and update valve system documentation including P&IDs, material certificates, weld logs, 3-A symbol documentation, and compliance matrices.
Standardize valve control strategies in collaboration with controls and automation teams to ensure consistent, compliant operation across product lines.
Partner with engineering, quality, sanitation, maintenance, and automation teams to ensure valve systems meet food safety and operational requirements.
Evaluate and audit valve OEMs, fabricators, and integrators to ensure compliance with 3-A standards and internal specifications.
Provide training and mentorship on hygienic valve design principles, 3-A compliance, and regulatory trends to internal teams and junior engineers.
Stay current with updates to 3-A, FDA, and industry standards, and communicate implications across the organization.
3-A and EHEDG sanitary valve system leadership
Food safety compliance, validation, and hygienic design assurance
Cross-plant standardization of valve specifications and documentation
Regulatory audit readiness and supplier qualification
Training, mentorship, and technical governance
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Food, or Sanitary Engineering
Master’s degree or food safety/regulatory engineering credentials a plus
3-A Sanitary Design Training or EHEDG Certification
HACCP, PCQI, or GMP certification
ASME BPE or equivalent hygienic piping and valve standards knowledge
7–10+ years of experience in engineering, compliance, or validation roles in food, beverage, dairy, or pharmaceutical sectors
Proven track record managing compliance for sanitary valve systems and fluid handling in regulated environments
Deep understanding of 3-A, EHEDG, and FDA food contact compliance requirements
Strong command of CIP/SIP process validation, valve function, and hygienic risk assessments
Expertise in technical documentation, regulatory audit preparation, and supplier management
Excellent cross-functional leadership, communication, and technical training capabilities