Valley Queen

5 job(s) at Valley Queen

Valley Queen Milbank, South Dakota
11/14/2026
Full time
Job Description POSITION SUMMARY Whey & Ingredient Process Optimization This role develops and implements in-process targets for solids/lactose/protein recovery, yield, throughput, and efficiency across whey and ingredient manufacturing. It monitors performance, reduces product loss, evaluates processes and equipment, and recommends improvements to quality, consistency, and operational results. The position provides technical direction and troubleshooting support to Operations and Quality, leads work involving whey protein concentrate, lactose, and other ingredient products, and optimizes filtration, concentration, evaporation, crystallization, drying, separation, and related systems. It also analyzes operating data, identifies root causes of deviations, implements sustainable corrective actions, and establishes methods to track membrane performance and product loss. Product Quality, Functionality & Customer Support The position provides technical expertise on whey and ingredient product composition, functionality, performance, and quality attributes. In partnership with Operations and Quality, it ensures products meet in-process standards, finished-product specifications, and customer requirements; investigates quality and performance concerns; and coordinates containment, root-cause analysis, corrective action, and follow-up. The role evaluates how raw materials, processing conditions, and equipment affect finished products; supports product development, commercialization, and plant implementation; responds to customer technical needs with Quality and Sales; identifies improvement opportunities; and documents evaluations, trials, process changes, conclusions, and recommendations. Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement The role develops and maintains one- to five-year capital plans and leads projects that improve whey processing, ingredient production, solids recovery, efficiency, quality, and supporting infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing scope, budgets, schedules, vendors, contractors, installation, startup, and validation while coordinating with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and other stakeholders. The position leads trials, evaluations, validations, startups, and related training; ensures projects meet technical, operating, budget, and timeline expectations; and measures results through operational and financial performance data. Food Safety, Safety & Regulatory Responsibilities The position promotes a strong safety and food safety culture and ensures that whey and ingredient operations and assigned projects comply with applicable workplace safety, food safety, environmental, operational, customer, and company requirements. It participates in incident investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective-action development, and follow-up; identifies process, equipment, product-quality, and project risks; coordinates preventive and corrective action; and consistently supports company sanitation, environmental, Good Manufacturing Practice, safety, and food safety standards. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Owns the day-to-day performance of the department, ensuring safety, quality, and operational standards are consistently met along with schedules, staffing plans, and processes. Executes departmental goals and priorities aligned with company strategy. Establishes, monitors, and delivers KPI's aligned with departmental and organizational goals. Leads and develops Supervisors and Leads to ensure strong execution and team effectiveness. Reinforces culture, expectations, and leadership behaviors established by the organization. Ensures role clarity and accountability across their team to drive efficient operations. Builds and maintains a highly engaged, performance-driven team environment. Supports talent development by coaching employees and identifying growth opportunities. Drives accountability through regular performance discussions and follow-up. Identifies operational challenges and implements solutions to improve performance. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Executes continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and cost control. Utilizes data and metrics to improve decision-making and performance. Supports budget adherence by managing resources effectively. Coordinates and supports execution of projects within scope and timelines. Communicates effectively across departments. Partners with cross-functional teams to improve operations. COMPETENCIES Leadership / Accountability Business Acumen Communication Proficiency Problem Solving / Analysis Technical Capacity SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position supervises supervisors, leads, and/or employees and is responsible for the day-to-day direction, coordination, and performance management of the assigned team. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands for this position primarily involve sedentary and light activity. The employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. TRAVEL This position will require occasional travel. Required Education, Experience & Certifications Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Dairy Manufacturing, Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered. Five to ten years of relevant experience in dairy processing, whey processing, ingredient manufacturing, food manufacturing, process engineering, or a related technical field. Minimum of five years of leadership, supervisory, project management, or significant functional leadership experience in a manufacturing or technical environment. Working knowledge of whey and ingredient manufacturing processes, solids recovery, yield optimization, process improvement, and product quality requirements. Demonstrated experience leading process-improvement initiatives or capital projects. Experience analyzing operational data, identifying performance trends, evaluating root causes, and implementing corrective actions. Understanding food safety preventive controls, Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation requirements, and manufacturing documentation. Strong computer, communication, documentation, and data-analysis skills. Ability to work effectively with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Sales, vendors, contractors, customers, and company leadership. Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications Master's degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field. Experience with whey protein concentrate, lactose, or other whey-derived ingredient manufacturing. Technical experience with filtration, concentration, evaporation, crystallization, drying, separation, or related dairy-processing technologies. Experience evaluating ingredient composition, functionality, quality, and customer performance. Experience managing capital projects, project budgets, vendors, contractors, and equipment startups. Preventive Controls Qualified Individual training or another relevant food safety credential. Bilingual in English and Spanish. OTHER DUTIES This job description is not designed to cover all duties. Responsibilities may change at any time. Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; additional hours as needed for trials PI34a579d2667c-7599
Valley Queen Milbank, South Dakota
11/14/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Position Summary This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance production efficiency, food safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation within food manufacturing environments and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and hygienic design principles. Essential Functions Design and execute large-scale, complex automation projects from start to finish. Project design and execution includes but is not limited to: AutoCAD panel layouts, panel build out, PLC programming, HMI screen development, alarm development with server deployment, I/O system verification, and full startup support. Responsible for safe operation and code changes for automated systems, including those related to processes that involve hazardous chemicals, environmental and safety. Responsible for training and support of automation technicians. Troubleshoot automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics tailored for food processing applications. Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and optimize existing processes. Ensure all automation solutions comply with food safety regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA) and hygienic design requirements. Understand and adhere to all GMPs. Support commissioning and validation of new equipment and automation projects. Maintain accurate documentation including electrical schematics, control logic, and system manuals. Monitor system performance and implement improvements to reduce downtime and increase throughput. Ensure 100 percent accuracy when signing out spare parts and other parts related transactions. Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes affecting food automation. In the event of power outages or plant start-ups, employees must be able to restore HMI network for the plant and ensure all PLCs are communicating in a prioritized manner. Employees must be able to utilize all PLC programs to assist all departments in start-ups. Understand and adhere to all PSM requirements and must be a member of the emergency response team. Always comply with all company safety policies to achieve no job-related injuries or lost time accidents. Attend and complete required safety and quality training sessions by the assigned deadlines. Competencies Technical Capacity Problem Solving/Analysis Communication Proficiency Computer Proficiency Time Management/Initiative Supervisory Responsibility This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment This job operates in an office, shop and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Physical Demands Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. This position works 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday which includes some holidays. This position is part of an on-call rotation. Travel Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications Bachelor's degree and/or 5+ years in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. Technical degree and/or 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing. Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems. Familiarity with hygienic design standards and food-grade automation components. Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.). Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills. Knowledge of safety and compliance standards such as NFPA 70E, OSHA, and GMP. Preferred Education , Experience & Certifications Experience with robotics, vision systems, and automated packaging lines. Knowledge of MES systems, and data analytics for process optimization. Bilingual in English/Spanish. Additional Eligibility Qualifications Minimum age requirement is 18. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid and appropriate state driver's license prior to employment. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice. PI43a4c0fa5-
Valley Queen Milbank, South Dakota
11/12/2026
Full time
Position Summary This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance production efficiency, food safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation within food manufacturing environments and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and hygienic design principles. Essential Functions Design and execute large-scale, complex automation projects from start to finish. Project design and execution includes but is not limited to: AutoCAD panel layouts, panel build out, PLC programming, HMI screen development, alarm development with server deployment, I/O system verification, and full startup support. Responsible for safe operation and code changes for automated systems, including those related to processes that involve hazardous chemicals, environmental and safety. Responsible for training and support of automation technicians. Troubleshoot automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics tailored for food processing applications. Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and optimize existing processes. Ensure all automation solutions comply with food safety regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA) and hygienic design requirements. Understand and adhere to all GMPs. Support commissioning and validation of new equipment and automation projects. Maintain accurate documentation including electrical schematics, control logic, and system manuals. Monitor system performance and implement improvements to reduce downtime and increase throughput. Ensure 100 percent accuracy when signing out spare parts and other parts related transactions. Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes affecting food automation. In the event of power outages or plant start-ups, employees must be able to restore HMI network for the plant and ensure all PLCs are communicating in a prioritized manner. Employees must be able to utilize all PLC programs to assist all departments in start-ups. Understand and adhere to all PSM requirements and must be a member of the emergency response team. Always comply with all company safety policies to achieve no job-related injuries or lost time accidents. Attend and complete required safety and quality training sessions by the assigned deadlines. Competencies Technical Capacity Problem Solving/Analysis Communication Proficiency Computer Proficiency Time Management/Initiative Supervisory Responsibility This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment This job operates in an office, shop and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Physical Demands Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. This position works 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday which includes some holidays. This position is part of an on-call rotation. Travel Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications Bachelor's degree and/or 5+ years in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. Technical degree and/or 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing. Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems. Familiarity with hygienic design standards and food-grade automation components. Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.). Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills. Knowledge of safety and compliance standards such as NFPA 70E, OSHA, and GMP. Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications Experience with robotics, vision systems, and automated packaging lines. Knowledge of MES systems, and data analytics for process optimization. Bilingual in English/Spanish. Additional Eligibility Qualifications Minimum age requirement is 18. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid and appropriate state driver's license prior to employment. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice. PI89a6-
Valley Queen Milbank, South Dakota
11/12/2026
Full time
Design, implement, and maintain automated systems that improve production efficiency, food safety, and product quality at a dairy manufacturer. Lead automation projects, program PLCs, develop HMI and SCADA systems, troubleshoot equipment, support commissioning, and ensure regulatory and hygienic design compliance. Responsibilities Design and execute automation projects, including panel layouts, PLC programming, HMI and alarm development, I/O verification, and startup support. Maintain safe operation of automated systems and make control code changes, including systems involving hazardous chemicals. Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, and industrial networking systems. Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify and implement process improvements. Support commissioning and validation of equipment while ensuring food safety, regulatory, hygienic design, and GMP compliance. Maintain schematics, control logic, and system manuals; monitor performance and help restore plant communications during startups and outages. Required Skills Allen-Bradley PLC programming HMI development SCADA systems Auto CAD panel layouts Control panel buildout Alarm development and server deployment I/O system verification Industrial robotics troubleshooting Industrial networking protocols Electrical schematics and control logic
Valley Queen Milbank, South Dakota
11/12/2026
Full time
Position Summary This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance production efficiency, food safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation within food manufacturing environments and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and hygienic design principles. Essential Functions Design and execute large-scale, complex automation projects from start to finish. Project design and execution includes but is not limited to: AutoCAD panel layouts, panel build out, PLC programming, HMI screen development, alarm development with server deployment, I/O system verification, and full startup support. Responsible for safe operation and code changes for automated systems, including those related to processes that involve hazardous chemicals, environmental and safety. Responsible for training and support of automation technicians. Troubleshoot automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics tailored for food processing applications. Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and optimize existing processes. Ensure all automation solutions comply with food safety regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA) and hygienic design requirements. Understand and adhere to all GMPs. Support commissioning and validation of new equipment and automation projects. Maintain accurate documentation including electrical schematics, control logic, and system manuals. Monitor system performance and implement improvements to reduce downtime and increase throughput. Ensure 100 percent accuracy when signing out spare parts and other parts related transactions. Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes affecting food automation. In the event of power outages or plant start-ups, employees must be able to restore HMI network for the plant and ensure all PLCs are communicating in a prioritized manner. Employees must be able to utilize all PLC programs to assist all departments in start-ups. Understand and adhere to all PSM requirements and must be a member of the emergency response team. Always comply with all company safety policies to achieve no job-related injuries or lost time accidents. Attend and complete required safety and quality training sessions by the assigned deadlines. Competencies Technical Capacity Problem Solving/Analysis Communication Proficiency Computer Proficiency Time Management/Initiative Supervisory Responsibility This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment This job operates in an office, shop and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Physical Demands Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. This position works 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday which includes some holidays. This position is part of an on-call rotation. Travel Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications Bachelor's degree and/or 5+ years in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. Technical degree and/or 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing. Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems. Familiarity with hygienic design standards and food-grade automation components. Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.). Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills. Knowledge of safety and compliance standards such as NFPA 70E, OSHA, and GMP. Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications Experience with robotics, vision systems, and automated packaging lines. Knowledge of MES systems, and data analytics for process optimization. Bilingual in English/Spanish. Additional Eligibility Qualifications Minimum age requirement is 18. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid and appropriate state driver's license prior to employment. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice. PI0ede6dd19a8f-7059