Process Engineer

Avery Dennison; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from day one

Job summary

PB Leiner in Gastonia, NC is seeking an entry-level Process Engineer I to support the gelatin production process. You will work with experienced engineers to improve yield, quality, and cost while learning plant systems and participating in projects.

Ideal candidates have a chemical/food engineering background, strong analytical skills, and a willingness to learn. This role offers hands-on manufacturing exposure and growth in continuous improvement and process engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Monitor KPIs and track production performance under senior engineers.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and improvements.
• Support yield, efficiency, and product quality initiatives.
• Assist with process trials and small capital projects.
• Work with operations, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Participate in safety and GMP programs.
• Learn plant systems and participate in start-up activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

B.S. in chemical/food engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary: This is an entry-level engineering role designed for a recent graduate with a strong foundation in chemical, food, or related engineering disciplines. The Process Engineer I will support the optimization and control of the gelatin production process, working closely with experienced engineers and operations teams. The role focuses on developing technical capability, learning plant systems, and contributing to improvements in yield, quality, efficiency, and cost. This position offers hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment and exposure to continuous improvement, process engineering, and project work.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Support & Improvement

• Monitor and track key process performance indicators (KPIs) with guidance from senior engineers
• Analyze production data to identify trends, issues, and improvement opportunities
• Support initiatives to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality
• Assist in evaluating usage of utilities, chemicals, and raw materials
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem‑solving activities

Project & Technical Support

• Support process improvement and small capital projects from concept through implementation
• Assist in designing and executing process trials and experiments
• Work cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, and quality teams
• Collect and validate process data for engineering analysis
• Participate in equipment commissioning and startup activities

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)

• Follow all safety, environmental, food safety, and GMP standards
• Participate in safety programs, audits, and risk assessments
• Support HACCP and quality initiatives
• Learn and apply Process Safety Management (PSM) principles

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related field
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Effective communication and willingness to learn in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred:

• Internship or co‑op experience in manufacturing, engineering, or a related field
• Exposure to process engineering, production, or continuous improvement concepts
• Familiarity with data analysis or basic statistical tools
• Experience working in team‑based projects or hands‑on lab environments

Additional Information

• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, and varying temperatures
• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
• PB Leiner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
• Benefits from day one.
• External applicants must currently be eligible to work in the US

Compensation: $60,000-$60,000 per year