Process Engineer

Unilever; Jonesboro (AR); On-site; USD 89,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever in Arkansas seeks a Process Engineer to design, optimize, and sustain manufacturing and utility processes, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production. This role serves as the owner of process improvements and leads end‑to‑end capital and continuous improvement initiatives across batching, material handling, and utility systems.

You’ll collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Engineering to drive performance, scale‑up, technology transfer, and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related field.
• 3–5+ years in chemical engineering, chemical/oil&gas or FMCG.
• Strong thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid flow knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant data to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
• Lead process optimization to improve throughput, yield, energy use and cost.
• Develop and size critical equipment; support capital projects end-to-end.

Skills

Process optimization

Data-driven decisions

CapEx leadership

Process control systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Aspen Plus

HAZOP/LOPA

Job description

Job Purpose

The Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing and utility processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production. This role serves as the technical owner of process improvements and projects, supporting process performance and capability, and leading the end-to-end delivery of capital and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure stable, consistent, and controlled production operations. Working closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Engineering, the Process Engineer drives optimization of process conditions, reduces variability, and supports scale‑up, technology transfer, and continuous improvement across batching, material handling, and utility systems.

Job Purpose

The Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing and utility processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production. This role serves as the technical owner of process improvements and projects, supporting process performance and capability, and leading the end‑to‑end delivery of capital and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure stable, consistent, and controlled production operations. Working closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Engineering, the Process Engineer drives optimization of process conditions, reduces variability, and supports scale‑up, technology transfer, and continuous improvement across batching, material handling, and utility systems.

You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.

Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Performance

• Analyze plant data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and loss drivers
• Optimize throughput, yield, energy consumption, and operating cost
• Monitor and adjust process conditions to maintain product quality and stability
• Develop and improve processes for new and existing systems
• Perform mass and energy balances to validate performance and capacity
• Define and size critical equipment (pipes, pumps, mixers, heat exchangers, utilities)
• Evaluate process and design alternatives to improve efficiency and cost
• Support design reviews and ensure technical integrity of process systems
• Utilize process data, simulation tools, and analytics to drive performance improvements
• Lead and manage process capital projects from concept through execution, ensuring safe, on‑time, and on‑budget delivery
• Develop process KPIs, dashboards, and apply SPC/statistical analysis
• Support new product introduction and technology transfer into manufacturing
• Drive continuous improvement and sustain process performance

Troubleshooting & Plant Support

• Lead RCA for process deviations and plant upsets
• Troubleshoot batching issues, separations, heat transfer, and fluid systems
• Provide technical support to Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety
• Implement and validate corrective and preventive actions on the plant floor

Continuous Improvement & Governance

• Drive yield improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency gains
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Standardize best practices and maintain process documentation and standards
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver sustainable improvements

Key Deliverables

• Improved process yield, throughput, and efficiency
• Reduced process variability, losses, and defects
• Successful implementation of processes and capital improvements
• Improved process safety and regulatory compliance
• Reduced energy consumption and operating costs
• Sustained process stability and performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related field
• at least 3-5+ years of experience in chemical engineering (chemical, oil & gas, or FMCG)
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid flow, including application to process operation, equipment performance, and manufacturing and utility systems
• Experience in continuous and/or batch processing environments
• Experience in process design, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Experience working with process control systems and plant operations
• Strong analytical and data‑driven decision‑making capability
• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, or plant operations
• Proven track record of delivering process improvements and cost savings
• Proven experience leading CapEx projects from concept through commissioning, including scope, budget, and execution management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with process simulation tools (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, or similar)
• Experience with process safety methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, PSM)
• Six Sigma or Lean certification
• Knowledge of separation processes, RO systems, utilities, and heat transfer equipment
• Strong understanding of instrumentation and automation systems; experience with automation and controls, able to collaborate with controls teams on DCS/PLC systems

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever Is An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons With Disabilities.

For more information on your federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.