Process Engineer (R&D)

Job Title: Process Engineer
Website Job Category Designation: Research & Development

Location: Chicago, IL w/ some travel to local facilities/plants

Primary Purpose
This individual will lead the development and execution of various process engineering initiatives for the Sugar (confections) portfolio. Projects will be related to renovation, innovation, quality improvement, network moves, etc.

Major Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D Product Development Scientists towards the development of new product initiatives from bench to pilot scale, and into full-scale execution. Provide technological expertise, ideal process recommendations, and smooth handover to Operations.
• Create plans that are proactively focused on solutions that work within our manufacturing facilities and will not negatively impact scrap, run rates, etc. while keeping key stakeholders informed.
• Lead the scope, execution, and analysis of data on work streams & trials and use results to progress projects.
• Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Packaging functions, etc. toward successful planning, scale up, and execution of all initiatives.
• Provide guidance into R&D project timelines to ensure required equipment and resources are available for use.
• Lead process development for R&D initiatives: generating process/product specifications, product & process manuals, and troubleshooting guidance.
• Potentially install equipment in pilot plant and participate in production scale equipment FATs.
• Compile plans and lead equipment qualifications in production environments.
• Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values.
• Conduct assigned work in a safe manner and adhere to safety methods.

Competencies/Skills/Knowledge Required
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Mastery of certain processing technologies related to food/pharma/bio product manufacturing
• Good technical, analytical, and communication skills; ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information
• Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution.
• Mastery of certain processing technologies related to food/pharma/bio product manufacturing
• Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving CPG environments.
• Quickly analyze complex problems to find actionable pragmatic solutions and constructive action plan.
• Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practices, and solutions.
• Adopt a positive, inclusive work environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their contributions.
• Strive for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail
• Highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office), statistical software experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines.

Education and Experience

• B.S. in Food Process Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5-10 years’ experience in a CPG R&D or Manufacturing Role, confectionary experience a plus.
• This role is based in the Chicagoland area, but the candidate must be willing to work flexible hours on occasion and travel as necessary to local internal facilities to support manufacturing line trials. #LI-JE1