Process Engineer

Western Sugar; Scottsbluff (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Sugar Cooperative seeks a Process Engineer to support all main processing lines in the Scottsbluff, NE facility, including the molasses de-sugarization unit. You will lead technical problem-solving and drive continuous improvement across safety, quality, and throughput.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 3–5 years of plant-process experience, with strong communication and teamwork. Knowledge of Lean Sigma and root-cause analysis is valued; travel is minimal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; mechanical or chemical preferred.
• 3–5 years industrial process experience preferred.
• Demonstrated improvements in safety, productivity, and quality.
• Excellent communication with all staff levels including hourly workforce and senior management.
• Willing to learn Lean Sigma and Root Cause Analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Lead safety leadership and model core values across the plant.
• Direct shift processing personnel in sugar beet processing to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with shift supervisors to communicate process changes.
• Ensure employees are trained in process controls and SPC.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Compile data and reports to improve process, quality, and throughput.
• Engage with employees across areas to troubleshoot and improve performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Planning

Lean Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Process Engineer

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1205

Title: Process Engineer

Position Overview

The Western Sugar Cooperative has an opportunity for a Process Engineer. This position will support all technical processes withing the factory including the molasses de-sugarization facility in Scottsbluff, NE.

Essential Functions

• Lead people effectively while modeling the Core Values of Safety, Integrity, Openness & Trust, Teamwork, Entrepreneurship, and Social Responsibility.
• Be a safety leader with solid safety behaviors and demonstrated leadership.
• Lead the effort with others to maintain a clean and safe production environment.
• Help and assist with all technical problems that require engineering.
• Help and assist with root cause analysis, preventive and corrective actions of all process related issues such as throughput limitations, mechanical downtime, quality variances etc. Use root cause analysis to permanently solve problems.
• Plan, organize and direct shift processing personnel in sugar beet processing to optimize performance.
• Work closely with shift supervisors in communicating process changes from shift to shift.
• Ensure employees are trained in process controls. Help and assist operators with statistical process control.
• Compile data, trends, and reports to help improve process, quality and throughput.
• Stay current on leading industry practices and technology for implementing new ways to improve processing.
• Operate processing at a high level of efficiency using Key Performance Indicators and a continuous improvement approach to hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving performance targets.
• When needed, hold people accountable by administering the collective bargaining agreement. Ensure employee grievances are addressed in a timely manner.
• This position requires you to spend time out in the different work areas engaging with employees to listen, troubleshoot and provide support for improving performance.

Skill & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required. Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred.
• 3-5 years of industrial process experience preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated experience with improvements in safety, productivity, and quality.
• Great communication skills working with all levels of staff, including hourly workforce and senior management.
• Willing to learn continuous improvement processes like Lean Sigma and Root Cause Analysis.
• Excellent computer competence (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Solid leadership skills, independent thinking, strong organizational and planning abilities and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Friendly, results oriented, high level of energy and collaborative.

Working Relationship

• Reports to the Factory Manager

Employment Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older

Travel Requirements: Less than 5%

It is the policy of The Western Sugar Cooperative not to discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability, sexual orientation or national origin. This policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment and employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, selection for training, layoff and termination.