Process Engineer

Empirical-Food; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Empirical-Food is seeking a Process Engineer to lead manufacturing process development, optimization, and reliability across production lines. You will partner with Operations and QA to drive continuous improvement, cut waste, and ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes data-driven analysis, SOPs and process validation, with responsibilities spanning from capital projects to day-to-day process control, requiring strong project management, cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required (Chemical/ Food/ Industrial/ Mechanical).
• Experience in food/beverage manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving, project management and cross-functional skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze processes to improve efficiency, yield, throughput, and cost savings.
• Monitor OEE, downtime, waste, yield, and labor efficiency; implement corrective actions.
• Develop SOPs, process flow diagrams, and control parameters.
• Support capital projects, equipment installs, and validation activities.

Skills

Process understanding

Food safety regulations

Process mapping

Capacity analysis

Equipment validation

Excel & data analysis

ERP experience

Project management

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

The Process Engineer is a technical leader capable of developing, optimizing, and improving manufacturing processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality food products. This role partners closely with Operations, internal and external teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives, reduce waste, increase productivity, and ensure compliance with all food safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Improvement

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, yield, throughput, and cost savings.
• Monitor and evaluate production metrics, including but not limited to overall equipment effectiveness, downtime, waste, yield, and labor efficiency.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to address process inefficiencies and production issues.
• Support new product launches by evaluating process capabilities and required equipment modifications.

Operations Support

• Collaborate with production teams to identify and troubleshoot process deviations, quality concerns, and operational challenges.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions for recurring manufacturing issues.
• Develop, update, and maintain process documentation, SOPs, work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
• Establish and monitor process control parameters to ensure product consistency and quality.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, SQF, BRC, and other applicable food safety standards.
• Support food safety and quality audits by providing process documentation and technical expertise.
• Participate in risk assessments and validation activities for process changes and new equipment installations.

Capital Projects & Equipment Implementation

• May assist in the design, selection, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Manage engineering projects related to process improvements, capacity expansion, automation, and facility upgrades.
• Work with equipment vendors and contractors to ensure successful project execution timeline expectations.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and interpret process performance data.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Utilize statistical tools to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Additional

• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Must have regular and punctual attendance.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and food safety regulations.
• Experience with process mapping, capacity analysis, and equipment validation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with ERP, or similar manufacturing systems preferred.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent trouble shooting, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Analytical problem solving
• Strategic thinking
• Process Optimization
• Results oriented

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, temperature variations, and food production areas.
• Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds occasionally.
• Occasional travel required

Experience: Experience process engineering in a manufacturing environment. Food or beverage manufacturing, is highly desirable. Experience with food processing operations such as mixing, cooking, baking, packaging, pasteurization, filling, or thermal processing is highly desirable. Proven success leading continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives. Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field required. Department: Engineering

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