DIVISION ENGINEER

KENT Nutrition; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KENT Nutrition Group, part of the KENT WORLDWIDE™ family, seeks a Division Engineer to lead projects improving safety, efficiency, and performance across manufacturing operations. You’ll partner with plant teams on capital initiatives, process improvements, and training to drive continuous improvement.

This role is based in Muscatine, IA. Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, procurement, startup, and project documentation, with travel up to 25% for project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Agricultural, Mechanical Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology required.
• Internship or co-op experience in an operations/manufacturing environment strongly desired.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs.
• Up to 25% travel may be required for projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement projects that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, environmental performance, energy conservation, and profitability across manufacturing operations.
• Manage capital and expense projects from concept through startup, including budgeting and cost tracking.
• Partner with Plant Managers and maintenance teams to support safe operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and cost estimates aligned with objectives while prioritizing safety and operational excellence.
• Oversee all phases of projects including design, estimating, purchasing, startup, and training.

Skills

Verbal communication

Technical writing

Time management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Job description

At KENT Nutrition Group, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE™ family of companies, you'll have the opportunity to turn ideas into results. As a Division Engineer, you'll lead projects that improve safety, efficiency, and performance across our manufacturing operations while partnering with teams to solve real-world challenges and drive continuous improvement. From process enhancements to major capital initiatives, you'll gain hands-on experience making a measurable impact across multiple locations. Ready to launch your engineering career and help shape the future of manufacturing?

• This opportunity is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and implement projects that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, environmental performance, energy conservation, and profitability across manufacturing operations.
• Manage capital and expense projects from concept through startup, including financial justification, budgeting, procurement, installation, commissioning, and cost tracking.
• Partner with Plant Managers, operations, and maintenance teams to support safe operations, process improvements, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and cost estimates that align with manufacturing and operational objectives while maintaining a strong focus on employee safety and operational excellence.
• Monitor equipment performance and downtime trends, identify root causes of recurring issues, and recommend solutions that improve reliability and workplace safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process and maintenance challenges, providing technical expertise to improve equipment performance, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Develop operator and maintenance training materials, conduct equipment qualification activities, and deliver training that promotes safe and effective equipment operation.
• Oversee all phases of assigned projects, including design, estimating, proposal development, purchasing, startup, documentation, training, project closure, and other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Agricultural, Mechanical Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology required. Other engineering disciplines may be considered.
• Internship or co-op experience in an operations or manufacturing environment strongly desired
• Previous experience in Feed mill or similar industrial process is desired
• Previous supervisory experience is a plus
• Strong verbal and technical writing skills
• Advanced skill level in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications is strongly desired
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize workload
• The ability to work in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, and challenge ideas and assumptions, even when they come from executives and other senior leaders in the organization
• Ability to lift 55 lbs

TRAVEL

• Travel (up to 25%) may be required for projects to support business needs

Safety is a top priority at KENT WORLDWIDE. All employees are expected to follow safety protocols and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.