Manufacturing Projects Engineer – Safety & Efficiency

Kent Corporation; Muscatine (IA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

KENT Nutrition Group, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE family, seeks a Division Engineer to lead capital projects across our manufacturing operations in Muscatine, IA. You will drive safety, reliability, and efficiency while collaborating with plant managers and maintenance teams to implement improvements and ensure startup success.

Develop project plans and budgets, monitor downtime, and deliver training and documentation to support safe, compliant, and cost-effective operations across locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Agricultural, Mechanical Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology required.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Verbal communication

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Systems Technology

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

KENT Nutrition Group, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE family, seeks a Division Engineer to lead capital projects across our manufacturing operations in Muscatine, IA. You will drive safety, reliability, and efficiency while collaborating with plant managers and maintenance teams to implement improvements and ensure startup success.

Develop project plans and budgets, monitor downtime, and deliver training and documentation to support safe, compliant, and cost-effective operations across locations.