Lead Process Engineer - Industrial & Pet-Food Manufacturing

Sky Mavis; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

PTO

Learning & Development

Job summary

Clayco and LJC Design & Engineering are seeking a highly technical process engineering leader to drive complex industrial projects. You will guide process design across pet food, meat processing, and manufacturing settings, mentoring staff and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient solutions.

You will develop bases and PFDs/PDs, perform calculations with AFT Fathom/Arrow and HTRI, and ensure designs meet client goals while maintaining lean practices and rigorous

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8–15+ years of process engineering experience in industrial manufacturing.
• Successful PE licensure (PE exam).
• Strong knowledge of process engineering principles and safety.
• Experience with PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Lean manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with field construction, commissioning, startup.
• Strong judgment and ability to design with evolving information.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset for fast-paced design-build environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design for pet food, meat processing, and industrial projects.
• Develop project scopes and basis documentation.
• Create and review PFDs, material balances, and P&IDs.
• Specify process equipment and instrumentation design.
• Collaborate with discipline leads across phases.
• Interpret plant data and develop process solutions.
• Ensure safe, efficient process systems aligned with client needs.
• Enhance internal tools and standards.
• Perform process calculations and simulations (AFT, HTRI).
• Coordinate with vendors, clients, and teams for equipment and integration.
• Support construction, startup, and commissioning.
• Mentor junior staff and promote best practices.

Skills

Process design leadership

Engineering judgment

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AFT Fathom

AFT Arrow

HTRI

Job description

Clayco and LJC Design & Engineering are seeking a highly technical process engineering leader to drive complex industrial projects. You will guide process design across pet food, meat processing, and manufacturing settings, mentoring staff and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient solutions.

You will develop bases and PFDs/PDs, perform calculations with AFT Fathom/Arrow and HTRI, and ensure designs meet client goals while maintaining lean practices and rigorous