Process Engineer I

About the Role

Entry-level Process Engineer supporting day-to-day operations and continuous improvement of food manufacturing processes. The role focuses on optimizing production performance, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance, and assisting with project implementation across meat processing, rendering, and further-processing lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Support process optimization and capacity improvement initiatives across meat processing, rendering, and further-processing lines to increase yield, throughput, and efficiency.
• Collect, analyze, and report production data (cycle times, yields, downtime, scrap) to identify trends and root causes; recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues on the plant floor; work with maintenance and operations to implement short-term fixes and long-term solutions.
• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation to reflect current best practices.
• Assist in the installation, start-up, and validation of new equipment and process changes; coordinate vendor activities and testing as needed.
• Support food safety and regulatory programs (HACCP, GMPs, SSOP, FSMA) by providing technical input, participating in audits, and ensuring process controls are maintained.
• Lead or participate in small capital and continuous improvement projects using Lean/Six Sigma principles to reduce waste and improve quality.
• Train and mentor operators and technicians on process controls, data collection practices, and safe operating procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality, Maintenance, Operations, and Supply Chain to align process improvements with business objectives.
• Use manufacturing systems and tools (e.g., MES, SCADA, PLC interfaces, Redzone) to monitor performance, manage targets, and drive accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science, or related discipline.
• 0-3 years of hands-on experience in food manufacturing, meat processing, rendering, or further processing preferred; internship or co-op experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of food safety systems and regulations (HACCP, GMPs, SSOP, FSMA) and experience supporting audit readiness.
• Familiarity with process control systems, PLC/SCADA basics, and data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, or similar).
• Experience with or willingness to learn production performance platforms such as Redzone, and familiarity with MES/ERP systems (e.g., SAP) is desirable.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, ability to perform root cause analysis, and apply continuous improvement methods (Lean/Six Sigma foundation preferred).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively on the plant floor and across departments.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment (including PPE usage), lift moderate weight, and occasionally work flexible shifts as required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Base Salary: $75,000 - $90,000
• Bonus Potential
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Plans
• Life, Short Term Disability, Long-Term Disability Plans
• 401k Plan with Company Matching
• PTO / Paid Vacation
• Privately Owned Company
• Growth Opportunities