Process Engineer

empirical Foods; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

empirical Foods is seeking a Process Engineer to lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for safe, efficient production of high-quality foods. You will partner with Operations and cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, process mapping, and equipment validation, with opportunities to lead capital projects, support new product launches, and mentor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field.
• Experience in process engineering in food/beverage manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of process mapping, capacity analysis, and equipment validation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with ERP or similar manufacturing systems.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, yield, throughput, and cost savings.
• Monitor and evaluate production metrics including OEE, 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.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and troubleshoot process deviations and quality concerns.
• 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.
• 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; coordinate with vendors/contractors.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process performance data; present findings and recommendations to leadership; utilize statistical tools to identify trends.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Cross-functional teamwork

Project management

Troubleshooting

Communication

Food safety regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing Execution Systems

Job description

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.

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.

Our company is known for its competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities to advance. Depending on position benefits may include: Health/Dental/Vision, Disability, Life, Flex Medical and Dependent Care, Matching 401(k), Profit Sharing, Paid Vacation and Holidays.

Our company is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin or sex in violation of Title VII. The company prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

Post offer physical and substance testing required.