Process Engineer

Kemin Industries; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

401k matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

On-site fitness center

On-site restaurant

Fresh fruit in break areas

Job summary

Kemin Industries in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking a Process Engineer to join our Manufacturing team. You will drive continuous improvement across production processes, optimize existing methods, and provide technical support to operations onsite.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, install and optimize equipment, develop and maintain SOPs, and ensure safety and quality in a fast-paced plant environment.

Qualifications

• Undergrad engineering degree in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical with up to 3 years related experience.
• Industrial controls (PLC) design and troubleshooting is preferred.
• Strong communication and coordination skills with ability to understand process equipment and controls and potential issues.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work productively in a fast-paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to climb and lift 55 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize plant processes, focusing on safety and cost reduction.
• Provide technical support to production by optimizing and installing equipment and controls, solving problems, and executing process design.
• Follow and maintain food/feed safety requirements in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Design, test, install, and maintain manufacturing plant equipment and controls, including pilot-plant and large-scale manufacturing.
• Use CAD software to perform assignments under guidance.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Process optimization

CAD

Strong communication

Problem solving

Fast-paced environment

Organizational skills

Lifting 55 lbs

Education

Undergraduate Engineering degree (Process/Chemical/Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical)

Tools

CAD software

PLC programming tools

Job description

Overview

Kemin is seeking a dedicated Process Engineer to join our Manufacturing team at our Des Moines campus! In this role, you will play a key part in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across our manufacturing processes. The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing existing production processes, providing technical support to manufacturing operations, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and performance. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot challenges, implement process improvements, support the installation and optimization of production equipment, and execute process design initiatives. This position also plays an important role in developing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support safe and effective operations. You will be onsite at our Des Moines, Iowa campus.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family‑owned‑and‑operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come. We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package : Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support : Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on‑site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement : Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities : Grow your skills with our in‑house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post‑secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities : Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for process development aspects within the plant operations, including identifying process methods, procedures, and equipment to manufacture Kemin products.
• Focus on improving existing processes, ensure safety as a key consideration in development of all processes, and reduce unit cost.
• Understand the chemical requirements of a process and determine proper equipment to be used to meet product specifications.
• Provide technical support to production efforts by optimizing and installing production equipment and controls, problem solving, and executing process design.
• Follows and maintains an environment of food and/or feed safety in compliance with rules and regulations, as applicable.
• Design, test, install, and maintain manufacturing plant equipment and controls, including pilot‑plant and large‑scale manufacturing.
• Under guidance and using instructions and pre‑established guidelines, utilize computer aided design (CAD) software to perform assignments.
• Apply engineering principles and techniques to meet company needs.
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Process, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical) with up to 3 years of related experience
• Industrial controls (PLC) design and troubleshooting is preferred.
• Strong communication and coordination skills with ability to understand process equipment and controls and potential issues.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work productively in a fast paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to climb and ability to lift 55lbs is needed.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process.

A post‑offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre‑employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is a drug‑free and tobacco‑free campus.