Manager – CIP/SIP Valve Networks

Job Title: Manager – CIP/SIP Valve Networks

Job Summary:

The Manager – CIP/SIP Valve Networks leads the engineering, operation, and maintenance of Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Sterilize-In-Place (SIP) valve systems across food and beverage manufacturing facilities. This role ensures the design, automation, and reliability of valve networks critical for hygienic cleaning and sterilization processes, supporting product safety and regulatory compliance. The manager oversees valve performance, system integration with process controls, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize cleaning cycles, reduce downtime, and maintain sanitary standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Valve Network Design & Optimization

• Lead the specification, design, and configuration of CIP/SIP valve networks including valves, manifolds, sensors, and piping.

• Ensure valve network designs meet hygienic standards (3-A, EHEDG, ASME BPE) and support efficient, validated cleaning and sterilization cycles.

• Collaborate with process and automation engineers to optimize valve sequencing, timing, and controls integration.

System Integration & Automation

• Oversee integration of CIP/SIP valve networks with PLC/SCADA systems for automated operation, data collection, and remote monitoring.

• Manage troubleshooting, commissioning, and validation of valve networks within CIP/SIP systems.

• Implement upgrades and improvements leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies for enhanced process control and diagnostics.

Reliability & Maintenance Management

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs focused on CIP/SIP valves and associated components.

• Analyze valve network performance data and failure trends to drive reliability improvements.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for valve network issues affecting cleaning effectiveness or system uptime.

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure all CIP/SIP valve systems comply with food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA, USDA) and internal quality standards.

• Support audit preparation, system validation, and documentation related to CIP/SIP valve networks.

• Promote best practices for hygienic design, maintenance, and operation of valve systems.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage a team of engineers and technicians responsible for CIP/SIP valve network engineering, operations, and maintenance.

• Collaborate closely with production, quality, maintenance, and automation teams to align valve network strategies with plant objectives.

• Lead training initiatives to enhance team expertise in hygienic valve technologies and CIP/SIP process requirements.

Key Focus Areas:

• Hygienic valve network design and optimization for CIP/SIP systems

• Automation and PLC/SCADA integration of valve operations

• Maintenance, reliability, and root cause problem-solving

• Compliance with food safety and hygienic design standards

• Cross-functional collaboration and team development

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering preferred

Certifications:

• Relevant certifications in hygienic design (3-A, EHEDG) or food safety (HACCP, PCQI) beneficial

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in engineering or maintenance roles focused on CIP/SIP valve systems within food & beverage or pharmaceutical industries

• Strong background in sanitary valve technologies, automation integration, and cleaning validation

• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams and cross-functional projects

Skills:

• Expertise in CIP/SIP system design, valve selection, and control logic

• Familiarity with PLC/SCADA systems and automation troubleshooting

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and hygienic standards for food safety