Process Engineer

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision & LifeInsurance

401(k) with company contribution

Paid vacation & holidays

Wellness time

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

HSA option

All benefits start day one

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Process Engineer in West Allis to drive safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. You will work across Fermentation, Packaging, Maintenance, Quality, and Automation to deliver robust manufacturing processes.

You will lead root-cause investigations, manage capital projects from concept to completion, and develop training to improve operational consistency. A strong engineering background and 3+ years in manufacturing are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• Minimum three years in a process-driven manufacturing environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues systematically.
• Experience collaborating across multiple functional teams to achieve objectives.

Responsibilities

• Drive root cause investigations and implement corrective actions related to culture quality issues stemming from equipment, automation, or process performance.
• Lead and support projects that optimize existing processes, resolve production challenges, or introduce new technologies and improvements.
• Manage capital projects from concept through implementation ensuring safety, quality, and business alignment.
• Serve as a User Manager for designated systems, processes, or equipment.
• Coordinate with Fermentation, Packaging, Maintenance, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance teams to deliver solutions.
• Monitor and analyze process KPIs, conduct process confirmations, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in equipment validations, GMP audits, and continuous improvement activities.
• Develop and deliver training to improve operational consistency and understanding.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

LIMS

PLCs

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you passionate about solving complex manufacturing challenges while driving product quality, process reliability, and operational excellence? Join our West Allis Culture Plant team, where we produce Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) cultures used in food and feed applications around the world.

As a Process Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. Working across multiple functions, you will help resolve technical issues, lead process improvements, and deliver projects that support the continued growth and success of our culture manufacturing operations.

The Role & Your Impact

The Process Engineer is a mixed operational and tactical role focused on safety, quality, compliance, efficiency, and change management within the West Allis Culture Plant. This position sits at a critical nexus between production, quality, maintenance, automation, and engineering teams to ensure robust and reliable manufacturing processes.

In this role, you will:

• Drive root cause investigations and implement corrective actions related to culture quality issues stemming from equipment, automation, or process performance.
• Lead and support projects that optimize existing processes, resolve production challenges, or introduce new technologies and process improvements.
• Manage capital projects from concept through implementation while ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and business objectives.
• Serve as a User Manager with responsibility for designated systems, processes, or equipment.
• Coordinate effectively with stakeholders across Fermentation, Packaging, Maintenance, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance to deliver sustainable solutions.
• Monitor and analyze process KPIs, perform process confirmations, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Conduct safety observations and support site safety initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training to improve operational consistency and process understanding.
• Participate in equipment validations, GMP audits, standard writing, continuous improvement activities, and global network collaborations.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum three years of experience in a process-driven manufacturing environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex process and equipment-related issues using a systematic and analytical approach.
• Experience collaborating across multiple functional teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and production systems such as SAP, LIMS, PLCs, or similar platforms.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Experience managing capital projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of fermentation, biotechnology, food, feed, or culture‑production processes.
• Training or certification in project management methodologies.
• Experience with LEAN, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement frameworks.
• GMP‑regulated manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with change management and validation activities.

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you will join a collaborative and purpose‑driven organization where science and innovation come together to create impact. You will have the opportunity to:

• Work on challenging technical and operational projects with visible business impact.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and automation disciplines.
• Develop both technical expertise and project leadership capabilities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that shape the future of our manufacturing operations.
• Be part of a culture that values learning, teamwork, inclusion, and innovation.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

This position is based in a manufacturing environment within the West Allis Culture Plant.

The role requires regular interaction with production areas and may involve exposure to typical manufacturing conditions, including equipment operation, noise, varying temperatures, and GMP‑controlled environments. The position combines daily operational support with project‑based responsibilities and cross‑functional collaboration.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary - $95,000-$115,000 based on experience
• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeksofvacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings accountoption
• Employeeassistanceprogram
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application Deadline: 10/16/26

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we’ve gotten so far. And it’s how we’ll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you,

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career