Process Operator – Automation

Feed Energy Company; Pacific Junction (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

401k match

Profit sharing

Continuing education

Bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

Feed Energy Company in Iowa seeks an Operator to safely and efficiently run an automated chemical processing facility using DeltaV DCS. You will monitor process variables, operate reactors, and ensure product quality and regulatory compliance while documenting data and deviations.

You will participate in start-ups, shutdowns, and turnarounds, follow MOC and LOTO procedures, and support maintenance and engineering teams. This is a full-time on-site role with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree or relevant manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in automated manufacturing or chemical processing environment preferred.
• Experience operating or monitoring a DCS system (DeltaV preferred).
• Basic understanding of reactor operations, automated process controls, alarm management, and P&IDs.
• Ability to operate computer systems including Outlook, Word, Excel, PIMS, and DeltaV.
• Ability to read and write English and perform basic math.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automated process equipment including reactors, pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, and transfer systems.
• Use the DeltaV DCS system to monitor variables (temperature, pressure, flow, level, pH), adjust parameters within limits, respond to alarms, and document data and deviations.
• Execute batch and continuous production processes following SOPs.
• Monitor reactor performance including temperatures, dwell times, feed rates, and agitation.
• Identify and escalate abnormal conditions to supervision and engineering as needed.
• Perform routine field checks to verify DCS readings align with equipment conditions.
• Maintain accurate logs and electronic records within DeltaV and plant systems.
• Support troubleshooting of automated systems with Maintenance, Engineering, and Controls teams.
• Assist with start-ups, shutdowns, and plant turnarounds.
• Follow MOC and LOTO procedures when working with automated systems.
• Monitor product quality, collect samples, ensure compliance with specifications.
• Load and unload bulk trailers and rail cars, with safe material transfer and proper documentation.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards.
• Demonstrate company values in daily work interactions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

DeltaV DCS

Process Monitoring

Batch Processing

Alarms Management

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical Degree

Tools

DeltaV

PIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

This role will begin on the day shift (6:00 AM–6:00 PM) on a 2-2-3 schedule. This position must pass a background check and drug screen.

What we are and what we value:

Feed Energy works at the intersection of feed, fuel, and agriculture, building a nearly four-decade legacy of stewardship in various industries. We support how America nourishes its people and powers its economy. Our team is made up of growth-minded individuals, who are dedicated to transforming global practices in feeding and fueling, driving innovation across the industries we serve. We create circular economies, developing sustainable, low-carbon products and processes. Join us if you're looking for a dynamic environment to contribute to shaping a sustainable future for feeding and fueling the world.

We help feed the world by providing safe, energy-based nutrition solutions.

Creativity - Stewardship - Impact - Integrity - Healthy Relationships

What We Need:

The Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an automated chemical processing facility that includes reactors, automated transfer systems, and integrated process controls. The role ensures product quality, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance while meeting customer satisfaction standards. The Operator works directly with the DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS) to monitor, control, and optimize automated production processes. Responsible for ensuring Feed Safety/Food Safety by following all Safe Feed/Safe Food policies and protocols and taking immediate corrective action if safety issues arise.

What you will do

• Operate and monitor automated process equipment including reactors, pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, and transfer systems
• Utilize the DeltaV DCS system to monitor process variables (temperature, pressure, flow, level, pH), adjust process parameters within defined operating limits, respond to alarms, and document operational data and deviations
• Execute batch and continuous production processes following standard operating procedures
• Monitor reactor performance including reaction temperatures, dwell times, feed rates, and agitation
• Identify and escalation abnormal conditions to supervision and engineering as needed
• Perform routine field checks to verify DCS readings align with physical equipment conditions
• Maintain accurate operational logs and electronic records within DeltaV and plant systems
• Support troubleshooting of automated systems in collaboration with Maintenance, Engineering, and Controls teams
• Assist with start-ups, shutdowns, and plant turnarounds
• Follow Management of Change (MOC) and LOTO procedures when working with automated systems
• Monitor product quality, collect samples, and ensure compliance with internal specifications
• Load and unload bulk trailers and rail cars, ensuring safe material transfer, proper documentation, and compliance with safety and environmental standards
• Maintain high housekeeping standards
• Demonstrate company values in daily work interactions
• Perform all other duties as assigned

What we provide, because we care!

• Full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability
• Generous 401k match (up to 6%)
• Profit-sharing for all employees
• Continuing education
• Quarterly bonuses based on performance
• Wellness reimbursement up to $300 a year
• 40 Hours of PTO that start accruing immediately and increases to 120 Hours at 2 years and 160 Hours at 5 years!
• 8 Paid Holidays

Requirements

What You Will Need:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical degree or relevant manufacturing experience preferred
• Experience working in an automated manufacturing or chemical processing environment preferred
• Experience operating or monitoring a DCS system (DeltaV preferred)
• Basic understanding of reactor operations, automated process controls, alarm management, and P&IDs
• Ability to operate computer systems including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PIMS, and DeltaV
• Ability to read and write English and perform basic mathematical calculations

Preferred Competencies

• Strong situational awareness in automated environments
• Ability to interpret trends and process data
• Understanding of batch and continuous process control logic
• Strong communication skills when escalating alarms or abnormal conditions
• Safety-focused mindset in high-temperature and chemical environments

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa support. The company will not sponsor employment visas at this time.