Food Process Optimization Engineer

empirical Foods; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

empirical Foods is seeking a Process Engineer to lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for safe, efficient production of high-quality foods. You will partner with Operations and cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, process mapping, and equipment validation, with opportunities to lead capital projects, support new product launches, and mentor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field.
• Experience in process engineering in food/beverage manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of process mapping, capacity analysis, and equipment validation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with ERP or similar manufacturing systems.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, yield, throughput, and cost savings.
• Monitor and evaluate production metrics including OEE, downtime, waste, yield, and labor efficiency.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to address process inefficiencies and production issues.
• Support new product launches by evaluating process capabilities and required equipment modifications.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and troubleshoot process deviations and quality concerns.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions for recurring manufacturing issues.
• Develop, update, and maintain process documentation, SOPs, work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
• Establish and monitor process control parameters to ensure product consistency and quality.
• May assist in the design, selection, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Manage engineering projects related to process improvements, capacity expansion, automation, and facility upgrades; coordinate with vendors/contractors.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process performance data; present findings and recommendations to leadership; utilize statistical tools to identify trends.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Cross-functional teamwork

Project management

Troubleshooting

Communication

Food safety regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing Execution Systems

Job description

empirical Foods is seeking a Process Engineer to lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for safe, efficient production of high-quality foods. You will partner with Operations and cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, process mapping, and equipment validation, with opportunities to lead capital projects, support new product launches, and mentor