Process Engineer

pladis (UK); Town of Big Flats (NY); Presencial; USD 90.000 - 120.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

pladis is hiring a Process Engineer on-site in Big Flats to develop, scale, and improve manufacturing processes across R&D and production. You will lead trials, apply engineering principles, and convert data into actionable recommendations to improve quality, efficiency, and cost.

Reporting to the R&D Lead Americas, you will partner across functions to introduce new products, processes, and technologies while strengthening process standards and capability.

Formación

• Translate approved product concepts into robust manufacturing processes from prototype sign-off through scale-up and launch.
• Plan, coordinate, run, and evaluate factory trials for new products, process changes, and equipment upgrades.
• Develop and maintain process specifications and operating parameters for new and changed products.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma, SPC, and root-cause analysis to reduce variation and sustain improvements.

Responsabilidades

• Lead trials and scale-up activities to ensure smooth transfer from development to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Packaging, Engineering, and Operations to optimize processes.
• Define objectives, sampling plans, risks, resources, and communicate conclusions effectively.
• Prepare concise technical reports and updates for stakeholders.

Conocimientos

Process engineering

Statistical analysis

DOE/DoE design

Educación

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Descripción del empleo

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don't compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led , resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility , we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

PURPOSE:

At pladis, we take pride in the quality of our ingredients and the people we hire. We are looking for individuals who share our passion for bringing happiness to consumers and who embody our Winning Traits and Behaviors: purpose-led, agile, collaborative, resilient, and positive.

pladis operates in a highly competitive food and snacking market. Effective delivery of new product development, cost-base reduction, technology change, and continuous improvement is critical to growth, quality, service, and competitiveness.

The Process Engineer

The Process Engineer is a hands‑on technical role responsible for developing, scaling, and improving manufacturing processes across R&D and manufacturing. The role leads technical trials, applies scientific and engineering principles to process challenges, and converts data into practical recommendations that improve process capability, product quality, efficiency, capacity, cost, waste, and consistency.

Reporting to the R&D Lead, Americas, this role partners with Product Development, Packaging, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, suppliers, co-manufacturers, and other external partners. Based on‑site in Big Flats, the role introduces new products, processes, equipment, and technologies safely and effectively while strengthening process standards and technical capability.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DELIVERABLES:

1. Process Development, NPD & Scale-Up

• Translate approved product concepts into robust manufacturing processes from prototype sign-off through factory scale‑up and launch.
• Plan, coordinate, run, and evaluate factory trials for new products, product changes, procurement initiatives, process changes, machinery, and technology.
• Define trial objectives, methods, sampling plans, risks, and required resources, and communicate clear conclusions.
• Develop and maintain process specifications, operating parameters, and practical manufacturing guidance for new and changed products.
• Support product and production transfers between lines, sites, and external manufacturers.

2. Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and prioritize opportunities that improve quality, process consistency, efficiency, capacity, cost, and consumer satisfaction.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma, SPC, process capability analysis, and structured problem‑solving tools to reduce variation and sustain improvements.
• Use root‑cause tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone analysis, and evidence‑based data review to identify causes of defects, losses, and recurring process issues.
• Develop and implement optimization plans, ensuring improvements are reflected in operating procedures, standards, controls.
• Identify and reduce waste associated with overproduction, waiting, transport, extra processing, inventory, motion, and defects.

3. Data, Measurement & Trial Design

• Use statistical and analytical techniques to assess process performance and convert trial outcomes into practical recommendations.
• Establish and maintain relevant KPIs and SPC measures to monitor capability, confirm benefits, and sustain gains.
• Design and execute appropriate DOE activity to optimize process parameters, machinery settings, and operating windows.
• Apply material and product measurement methods, including texture analysis, rheology, or other fit‑for‑purpose techniques.
• Prepare concise technical reports, presentations, and project updates for relevant stakeholders.

4. Asset, Technology & Capital Support

• Provide process engineering input into equipment selection, design, purchase, installation, commissioning, and performance qualification.
• Assess manufacturing capability, process risks, operating constraints, and technology requirements before implementation.
• Support line trials and start‑up activity for new equipment, ensuring solutions meet productivity, quality, safety, operational requirements.
• Identify opportunities that may require capital investment and provide technical evidence, trial data, and recommendations to support business cases.

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