Process Engineer

Position Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing processes through troubleshooting, process optimization, continuous improvement, and project execution. This position serves as a key technical resource within the facility and plays a critical role in improving plant performance, increasing throughput, reducing downtime, and optimizing the use of raw materials and utilities.

The successful candidate will take ownership of multiple production systems and unit operations, applying engineering principles and analytical problem-solving skills to identify opportunities for improvement. This role requires close collaboration with operations, maintenance, quality, environmental health and safety, procurement, and engineering teams to drive sustainable operational improvements and support business objectives.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an engineer seeking increased technical responsibility and exposure to large-scale manufacturing processes while working within a structured engineering career progression path.

Key Responsibilities

Process Ownership & Optimization

• Provide technical ownership and support for multiple manufacturing processes and unit operations.
• Monitor process performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, reliability, and product quality.
• Analyze production data and implement solutions that optimize raw material consumption, energy utilization, water usage, and waste reduction.
• Support process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Ensure production processes operate safely and in compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Engineering Projects & Capital Improvements

• Lead and support process improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and capital investments.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and implementation plans.
• Coordinate procurement activities and support contractor and vendor management.
• Oversee equipment installations, commissioning activities, and process modifications.
• Assist with updating process documentation, engineering drawings, control narratives, and operating procedures.
• Support automation and process control improvements designed to enhance operational performance.

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

• Serve as a technical resource during process disruptions, equipment failures, and production challenges.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support plant startups, shutdowns, and operational transitions.
• Utilize data-driven methodologies and structured problem-solving tools to improve process reliability and reduce recurring issues.
• Drive initiatives that improve asset utilization and overall equipment effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, maintenance, quality, procurement, and engineering teams to support plant objectives.
• Work closely with equipment specialists, vendors, and external technical resources to evaluate and implement process improvements.
• Participate in cross-site collaboration efforts to share best practices and benchmark performance.
• Provide technical guidance and communicate recommendations to plant leadership and operating teams.

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost.
• Develop recommendations based on operational data and process trends.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity enhancement and cost reduction.
• Identify and implement long-term solutions to recurring operational challenges.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project results to various levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or similar certifications are preferred.
• Additional training or certifications in root cause analysis methodologies are a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience within a manufacturing, chemical processing, food processing, or related industrial environment.
• Experience supporting continuous manufacturing operations and process improvement initiatives.
• Prior involvement with capital projects, equipment installations, or process modifications is preferred.
• Experience working with process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and manufacturing systems is beneficial.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of engineering and manufacturing principles.
• Understanding of industrial process operations and equipment.
• Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Effective collaboration and team leadership skills.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a proactive and results-oriented engineer who enjoys working directly with manufacturing operations to solve problems and improve performance. They are comfortable taking ownership of technical challenges, leading improvement efforts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve measurable results. This individual possesses strong analytical skills, a continuous improvement mindset, and a passion for driving operational excellence through practical engineering solutions.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to build technical expertise, gain exposure to complex manufacturing processes, and advance within a growing engineering organization that values innovation, safety, and employee development.