Process Engineer - USA - VIE Contract 18 months (M/W)

Lesaffre; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lesaffre is seeking a VIE Process Engineer to lead improvements in process optimization at their West Chester location. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree and relevant experience in biotechnology or the food industry. This 18-month role offers the chance to influence key projects, gain international experience in the USA and may lead to long-term opportunities within the company.

Benefits

Round-trip ticket home every 12 months covered

Tax benefits and an attractive package

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in food industry, biotechnology, or chemical engineering.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience required.
• Experience in fermentation or biotech is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

• Support and scale CAPEX projects including budgeting and vendor selection.
• Optimize fermentation and downstream processes.
• Drive initiatives for water and energy reduction.

Skills

Fluid Mechanics

Mechanical Engineering Principles

Communication

Autonomy

Organization

Education

Master’s Degree in Food Industry, Biotechnology, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Excel

Job description

Company Description

Company Description

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions forBaking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.
Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed toworking with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.
In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs11 000peoplein more than50countries.
Lesaffre achieves a turnover of3billion euros.

Envera, part of Lesaffre Group, is on a mission to design microbial innovations that boost sustainable solutions . From fermentation to spray drying, we’re shaping the future of biotechnology – and we need YOU to help make it happen.

Since joining the Lesaffre family, Envera has seen major upgrades: new equipment, modern utilities, and growing ambitions! Now, we’re looking for a curious and driven VIE Process Engineer to bring fresh perspective and lead smart improvements

Job Description

Discover West Chester, PA

Just outside Philadelphia, West Chester blends small-town charm with big-city access. Home to university vibes, cozy coffee shops, and vibrant American culture, you’ll enjoy a friendly community, scenic nature spots, and weekend trips to NYC, Washington D.C., or the beaches ️️.

️ What you’ll do

As our new Process Engineer, you’ll dive into technical challenges and lead exciting improvement projects:

Support and scale CAPEX projects (equipment sizing, vendor selection, budgeting)
Optimize fermentation and downstream processes (centrifuge, spray drying)
Drive water and energy reduction initiatives
Improve blending processes for both dry and liquid formats
Coordinate continuous improvement with production managers
️ Implement new equipment, verify spare parts, plan maintenance
Run industrial trials to test and validate process upgrades

Qualifications

Who we’re looking for

Master’s degree in food industry, biotechnology, or chemical engineering
️ Min. 2 years of professional experience (mandatory)
Experience in fermentation or biotech = big plus

Your skills

Solid understanding of industrial processes and unit operations
Sharp in fluid mechanics & mechanical engineering principles
Comfortable reading & drawing technical docs (P&ID, layouts…)
️ Proficient with CAD, Excel, and digital tools
Great communication (internal + external partners)
Autonomous, organized, and proactive
Fluent in English (spoken + written)

Additional Information

Why choose this VIE?
Gain valuableinternational experiencein the USA
Work onstrategic projectsin process optimization
Develop yourcareer in an industrial environmentwith high-impact
VIE status =tax benefitsand an attractive package
️ 1 round-trip to home per year covered (economy class)

Mission details

Location: West Chester, PA – USA
Duration: 18 months
Start: November 2025
Status: VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise)

Recruitment process:
Screening call Technical interview Final interview with local team Offer!
️ VIE Benefits: Round-trip ticket home every 12 months covered ️

And after the VIE?

We don’t just hire for 18 months — we hire for potential
Our ambition is to offer you a long-term role after the VIE, either in USA, France, or elsewhere in our global Lesaffre world

Join us and grow globally

At Lesaffre, VIEs are future leaders. We aim to hire and promote VIE talents across our global network. Your journey starts here – but it doesn’t end here!

[Diversity & Inclusion]: At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.