Process Engineer

Novonesis; Blair (NE); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 9% match

Vacation time

Wellness time

Floating holidays

Healthcare benefits

HSA option

EAP

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Process Engineer to join a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will apply process optimization, operational support, and project leadership to improve plant performance and product quality.

You’ll work across manufacturing, engineering, and quality to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and support safe, efficient production. A degree in Chemical Engineering and 2+ years in GMP settings are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience in GMP-regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of process engineering principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate process optimization and project leadership to improve plant performance.
• Lead improvements across manufacturing, engineering, and quality.
• Develop procedures, training materials, checklists, and docs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistics.
• Sponsor and manage capital projects with performance follow-up.
• Review production batches to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Support training and certification for operators.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate results.
• Ensure Quality, Environmental, and Safety standards are incorporated.

Skills

Process optimization

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional teamwork

Safety & quality focus

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Process modeling tools

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? As our new Process Engineer, you will join a highly collaborative and fast-paced manufacturing environment where engineering innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement drive our success. Working closely with operations, quality, and technical stakeholders, you will help ensure our products are produced safely, efficiently, and consistently while supporting Novonesis' purpose of enabling better solutions for a growing world.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Process Engineer, you will combine operational support, process optimization, and project leadership to improve plant performance and product quality. You will work across manufacturing, engineering, and quality functions to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and support the reliable delivery of high-quality products.

Key responsibilities include:

• Optimize process and equipment performance to improve yield, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership for process improvements and technical change projects.
• Support compliance with Novonesis policies, standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, training materials, checklists, and documentation.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis tools.
• Sponsor and manage capital projects, ensuring successful implementation and performance follow-up.
• Review production batches and identify opportunities to improve operational performance and efficiency.
• Support technical training and certification efforts for operators and other plant personnel.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to effectively communicate project results and recommendations.
• Ensure Quality, Environmental, and Safety standards are incorporated into process and equipment changes.

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience preferred, ideally within food, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of process engineering principles and manufacturing operations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

The following qualifications are beneficial but not required:

• Experience with process modeling tools.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and software.
• Experience managing engineering or continuous improvement projects.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience supporting capital projects from concept through implementation.

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing and innovative industry. We offer an environment where collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement are valued. You will work alongside experienced technical professionals, gain exposure to complex manufacturing processes, and contribute to projects that support sustainability and food innovation. We encourage professional development and provide opportunities to grow your technical expertise, project leadership capabilities, and business understanding while working with talented colleagues across the organization.

Ways of Working

• Fast‑paced manufacturing environment with daily interaction across operations, quality, and engineering teams.
• Collaborative and hands‑on role supporting both day‑to‑day production and longer‑term improvement initiatives.
• Participation in plant‑based projects and technical activities as business needs require.
• Occasional flexibility may be required to support project implementation, troubleshooting, or operational priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected Starting Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on experience.

Benefits include:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• 120 hours of vacation
• 80 hours of wellness time
• 32 hours of floating holiday
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Health savings account option with generous employer contribution
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application Deadline: October 24, 2026

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore Other Openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You're welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career