Process Engineer

BrightFarms Inc; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightFarms is seeking a Process Engineer to optimize greenhouse operations at the Macon, GA facility. You will lead Kaizen events, develop SOPs, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls teams to drive safety and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has an engineering degree, 3–5 years in process engineering, strong data analytics skills (Excel, Minitab, Tableau), and ERP/MES experience. Ability to work day or night shifts and mentor teams is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in process engineering.
• Experience with data analytics tools (Excel, Minitab, Tableau).
• Knowledge of automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA).

Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve greenhouse workflows, including packaging, planting, harvesting, irrigation and climate control.
• Develop SOPs, mentor other technical teams, and train hourly and technical staff.
• Provide coaching on Lean principles, Six Sigma methods, and statistical tools (e.g., SPC, DOE).
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers and vendors to implement improvements.
• Collect and interpret operational data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead process improvement and capital projects from concept through implementation, including timeline and ROI.
• Partner with HSE and FSQ teams on safety and environmental compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of process changes and performance metrics.

Skills

Data analytics

Mentorship

Stakeholder alignment

Cross-functional leadership

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Tableau

ERP/MES

PLC/SCADA

Job description

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Process Engineer

Full Time Macon, GA, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 2103

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.

Our Macon, Georgia farm is the most advanced greenhouse in the state, delivering fresh, locally grown leafy greens to Georgians. Spanning nearly 480,000 square feet, this facility will produce approximately 6 million pounds of leafy greens annually.

Specifically, you will:

• Analyze and improve greenhouse workflows, including packaging, planting, harvesting, irrigation and climate control through leading cross‑functional Kaizen events and Root Cause Analysis sessions to identify and mitigate operational risks
• Work side by side with operators daily and quickly learning facility specific equipment to become an expert ready to develop SOPs, mentor other technical teams, train hourly and technical teams
• Work directly with Greenhouse staff to understand operational challenges and implement practical, employee‑engaged solutions while providing coaching on Lean principles, Six Sigma methods, and statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPC, DOE, regression modeling)
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers and vendors to design and implement process improvements and automation solutions
• Collect and interpret operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead and support process improvement and capital projects from concept through implementation, including timeline, budget, ROI and resource planning
• Partner with HSE and FSQ teams on people safety, environmental and food compliance. Ensure all process changes comply with safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies
• Maintain accurate records of process changes, performance metrics, and improvement outcomes

The ideal candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Process, Production, Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or related) or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years of experience in process engineering, preferably in agriculture, horticulture, food production, or manufacturing
• Must be flexible to work on day or night shift depending on site needs
• Expertise in data analytics tools (Excel, Minitab, Tableau, etc.) and experience with ERP/MES systems
• Knowledge of automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA) and control strategy development
• Demonstrated success leading cost savings initiatives, product launches, or system redesigns
• Excellent communication, mentorship, and stakeholder alignment skills

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.