Process Engineer

Red Gold, Inc.; Elwood (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Gold, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer in Elwood, Indiana. The role involves leading initiatives to improve food processing systems, requiring expertise in equipment installation and project management.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and significant industry experience, particularly in food safety. You will work on various projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in an industrial environment, preferably in food/beverage manufacturing.
• Experienced in food safety and hygienic design standards.
• Hands-on mechanical experience with complex machinery.

Responsibilities

• Manage project scopes, timelines, and budgets.
• Communicate project progress and ensure completion within commitments.
• Scout and implement new technologies for improved processes.

Skills

Food and beverage manufacturing knowledge

Mechanical troubleshooting

Project management

AutoCAD and MS Project skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or related engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

Job description

Job Title

Process Engineer

Reports to

Director of Engineering

Status

Full‑Time, Exempt

Job Summary

Provide expertise and guidance to install equipment or modifications and lead projects in support of expansion or improvement plans. Provide professional project management, scopes of work and cost estimates with estimated timelines for implementation. You will also engineer, design and specify equipment systems to meet technical service needs for improved final product, productivity or cost reductions with input from stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Project Management

• Preliminary Scoping and Estimating
• Provide feasibility level scope and cost estimates as well as detailed design and project execution
• Bid package development
• Negotiating and securing construction contracts
• Communicate the progress of the project
• Develop and execute projects within budget, schedule, and contractual commitments
• Gather the technical files from suppliers and transfer them to users
• Organize and schedule user training
• Write process equipment specifications and new descriptions of operations for project work
• Equipment procurement—specify process design criteria, identify new equipment, retrofit existing equipment
• Startup and checkout

Continuous Improvement Initiatives related to but not limited to as time permits or as assigned as approved

• Line efficiency goal attainment
• Safety goal attainment
• Labor cost goal attainment
• Quality goal attainment
• Yield goal attainment-raw materials and supplies
• Identify cost savings and process improvement opportunities

Miscellaneous

• Proactively scout, assess, and implement new technologies/capabilities for practical application to the business
• Bring new ideas and approaches to the technical and business team
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with vendors/suppliers/plant personnel

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, or related engineering
• 5-10 years of experience in an industrial environment, preferably food/beverage manufacturing
• Experienced in food safety; hygienic design, international aseptic, beverage and juice standards
• Hands‑on mechanical experience and capability; able to troubleshoot complex mechanical machinery
• Proven experience with pumps, valves, instrumentation, pneumatics, and process design
• Proven experience with different fabrication methods used with stainless steel construction including welding methods, material selection, surface finish requirements, and finishing methods
• Experienced in thermodynamics calculations, heat exchanger calculations and design (plus)
• Steam and condensate, industrial HVAC, and metallurgy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have knowledge of food and beverage manufacturing and processing technology and process engineering equipment design
• Firm understanding of plant construction and design experience
• Ability to produce conceptual drawings with AutoCAD and develop Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
• Advanced PC skills including AutoCAD, MS Project, Word, and Excel
• Ability to write project proposals and reports
• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
• Environmental knowledge and experience
• Civil Engineering knowledge and experience
• Substantial application of engineering skills for pump‑able food products ranging from juices, particulates, blended products, viscous concentrates and pastes
• Familiar with evaporation technology for food products
• Material Handling
• Sanitary Process System Design
• Mass and Energy Balances
• Strong Communication Skills

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct: None

Indirect: Project Mechanics (as assigned)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time, either sitting or standing
• Must be able to use fingers to constantly operate a computer or other office equipment
• Must be able to regularly walk, handle, feel, reach with both hands and arms, and visually detect, perceive, or recognize at near and far distances
• Must be able to converse or convey with other individuals
• May occasionally be required to crouch
• May occasionally lift/carry items as heavy as 25 pounds

Job Competencies

• Ethics / Integrity / Trust
• Attitude and Commitment
• Diversity
• Customer Service
• Business Savvy
• Decision Making
• Company Engagement
• Quality
• Cost Consciousness
• Oral / Written Communication
• Objective Judgment
• Problem Solving
• Initiative
• Professionalism
• Analytical Thinking

Other

• Responsible for monitoring, record keeping and taking appropriate actions for specific General Contractor Agreement, Controls Specifications, and prerequisite program requirements
• Responsible to report food safety and quality issues to management

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.