Process Engineer

Kalsec Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kalsec Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to support manufacturing operations by identifying process inefficiencies and enhancing plant performance. The role includes managing projects, leading design initiatives, and providing technical expertise.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities involve troubleshooting, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of plant or manufacturing experience.
• Experience with process and equipment design.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with production teams to analyze and improve manufacturing processes.
• Manage small capital and expense projects under $2M.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards including SQF, HACCP, and GMP.

Skills

Process and equipment design

Lean manufacturing principles

Strong problem-solving

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing preferred)

Tools

PLC and/or DCS (e.g., Allen Bradley, DeltaV)

Job description

Job Summary

The Process Engineer serves as a key technical leader supporting manufacturing operations through the identification of process inefficiencies, enhancement of plant performance, and implementation of safe, practical, and cost-effective engineering solutions. This role leads process and equipment design initiatives, manages small capital and expense projects, and strengthens production documentation and standards. The Process Engineer also provides technical expertise in troubleshooting, control strategy development, and process safety. Working cross-functionally with production, quality, safety, and environmental teams, this role drives operational excellence, ensures compliance with engineering and food safety standards, and supports the long‑term reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of plant operations.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Operations Support

• Collaborate with production teams to analyze manufacturing processes and identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and cost improvement opportunities
• Develop process flows and create or modify P& IDs, layout drawings, and isometrics for new and existing processes
• Evaluate new materials, equipment, and manufacturing methodologies to improve performance and reliability
• Assist and/or lead troubleshooting of processing issues using data trends, historical information, and system knowledge
• Resolve technical challenges with practical, robust, and cost‑effective solutions
• Utilize data analytics tools to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support operational decision‑making
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards including SQF, HACCP, and GMP, and support sanitary design principles

Project Engineering, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Manage small capital and expense projects (typically under $2M), including scope, schedule, cost, and stakeholder coordination
• Partner cross‑functionally to develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for batch processing
• Develop and support control strategies; contribute to instrumentation specifications and PLC/DCS‑based troubleshooting
• Design, size, and specify plant equipment such as pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, vessels, and packaging equipment
• Evaluate upset conditions and determine appropriate safety devices, including relief systems and safety circuits
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and ensure completion of action items tied to process safety improvements
• Maintain process safety documentation and support Management of Change (MOC) and PSM practices
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and standards (NFPA, ISA, API) related to engineering and safety compliance

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing preferred)
• 5+ years of plant or manufacturing experience
• Experience with process and equipment design
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills

Desired

• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM)
• PLC and/or DCS experience (e.g., Allen Bradley, DeltaV)
• Six Sigma certification

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in manufacturing environments, including climbing ladders, confined spaces, bending, kneeling, and working overhead
• Exposure to varying environmental conditions, including heat and cold
• Ability to access all areas of the facility
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally as needed (up to 10%)