The Valve Systems Engineering Manager is a specialized technical leader responsible for the design, specification, performance, and lifecycle management of valve technologies used across food and beverage manufacturing processes. This role ensures that all valve systems—including sanitary, utility, and automated valve assemblies—meet performance, hygiene, and regulatory requirements. The manager leads valve-related engineering efforts across multiple sites, supporting capital projects, process optimization, and preventive maintenance programs, while standardizing specifications and driving innovation in valve automation and reliability.
Lead the specification, design, and selection of hygienic and industrial valves (e.g., mix-proof, butterfly, diaphragm, control valves) used in product, CIP, steam, water, and utility systems.
Standardize valve technologies and installation best practices across facilities to ensure hygienic integrity, operational efficiency, and parts commonality.
Develop and maintain corporate valve specifications in compliance with 3-A, ASME BPE, and EHEDG standards.
Collaborate with process control and automation teams to integrate valve systems into PLC/SCADA platforms, including valve manifolds, solenoids, and feedback sensors.
Support the configuration and troubleshooting of automated valve systems for batching, blending, CIP/SIP sequencing, and utility distribution.
Ensure proper commissioning and validation of automated valve arrays and sanitary control systems.
Develop and oversee valve maintenance strategies, including predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
Analyze valve performance data and failure modes to drive improvements in valve selection, installation, and usage.
Manage valve-related documentation, maintenance records, and performance KPIs across sites.
Serve as the valve systems SME on major capital and retrofit projects, from design through startup.
Review P&IDs, equipment layouts, valve matrix configurations, and sanitary design details to ensure proper valve integration.
Support procurement and supplier evaluation for valve technologies and components.
Ensure valve systems comply with all applicable food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, FSMA, USDA).
Participate in audits, validations, and risk assessments focused on valve-related hygienic risks.
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for valve failures affecting food safety or production integrity.
Lead a team of engineers and technicians focused on valve design, installation, and troubleshooting.
Provide training and technical support to plant maintenance, engineering, and quality teams.
Work cross-functionally with operations, QA, controls, and capital project teams to align valve system strategies with plant goals.
Hygienic valve system engineering and specification
Valve automation, controls integration, and reliability
Sanitary compliance (3-A, EHEDG, ASME BPE, FDA)
Standardization, lifecycle management, and spare parts strategy
Project engineering and capital implementation support
Data-driven reliability and preventive maintenance programs
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related discipline required
Advanced technical training or certification in hygienic or valve systems preferred
3-A Sanitary Standards knowledge preferred
Six Sigma, CMRP, or PE License a plus
10+ years in engineering roles within the food & beverage, dairy, or pharmaceutical industry with a focus on sanitary valve systems
Experience with hygienic design, valve manifolds, and fluid handling in regulated environments
Strong background in valve automation, maintenance practices, and systems integration
Deep technical knowledge of sanitary valves, actuation systems, and hygienic piping
Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and technical troubleshooting skills
Proficient in reviewing P&IDs, valve matrix configurations, and 3D piping models
Collaborative leadership and cross-functional communication skills