Production Engineer - December 2026 Grads

Heartland Food Products Group; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Food Products Group is seeking a Production Engineer to gain hands-on understanding of equipment, process control, and Heartland operations. You will help drive reliability and production cell performance while collaborating with Operations, Quality and Engineering.

The position targets December 2026 graduates starting January 2027, with responsibilities spanning troubleshooting, process improvements, safety, and adherence to food safety standards in a fast-paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering required; Mechanical or Chemical Engineer preferred.
• Will consider students prior to graduation.
• Experience managing people and projects preferred.
• Experience in a food-grade environment (FDA, GMP, HACCP) with high-speed packaging equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Production Cell with an ownership mentality focused on improving performance, reducing waste, and improving quality.
• Drive the day to day operations of the Production Cell.
• Provide feedback on the training/certification program of manufacturing personnel.
• Participate in troubleshooting and solving problems with existing equipment/processes/products.
• Improve, modify and upgrade processes to reduce costs and enhance quality to meet customer satisfaction.
• Ensure a safe working environment by following safety rules and ensuring the safety culture.
• Develop a strong technical understanding of mechanical equipment used in a manufacturing environment.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and repair services and ensure OEM procedures are followed.

Skills

Detail oriented

Leadership / coaching

Microsoft Office

Education

BS in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical)

Tools

CAD programs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We are looking for December 2026 graduates to start full-time January 2027!

Scope:

The Production Engineer is a key developmental position focused on building a hands‑on technical understanding of equipment operation, process control, and Heartland ways of working. Responsible for equipment operation and basic maintenance to drive improvement in equipment reliability and overall Production Cell performance. Will be involved in all trouble‑shooting, problem solving, and improvement projects in the Production Cell. Acts as a leader and partners closely with Operations Teammates, Quality and Engineering to help with a range of activities designed to achieve uncompromising levels of safety, quality and cleanliness.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Operate the Production Cell with an ownership mentality focused on improving performance, reducing waste, and improving quality.
• Drive the day to day operations of the Production Cell.
• Provide feedback on the training/certification program of manufacturing personnel.
• Participate in troubleshooting and solving problems with existing equipment/processes/products.
• Improve, modify and upgrade processes to reduce costs and enhance quality to meet customer satisfaction. Identify methods to reduce variation in the processes.
• Make recommendations and implement improvements in product quality.
• Ensure a safe working environment by following safety rules and ensuring the safety culture.
• Conducts food safety and defense self-inspections and acts on deficiencies.
• Develop a strong technical understanding of mechanical equipment used in a manufacturing environment (drives, motors, sensors, pumps, valves, etc.).
• Assist with equipment maintenance and repair services and make sure that manufacturer’s procedures and instructions are followed in order to keep production equipment operating at OEM specifications.
• Assist in development and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures for all processes.
• Understand process and process equipment specifications, processing methods and procedures that are critical to Production Cell performance.
• Maintain effective communication with all persons involved with or affected by assigned responsibilities.
• Provide technical expertise and support related to manufacturing.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering required; Mechanical or Chemical Engineer preferred
• Will consider students prior to graduation.
• Experience managing people and projects preferred.
• Experience in a food grade environment (FDA, GMP’s, HACCP) with high speed packaging equipment preferred.
• Experience working with equipment installation and automation is a plus
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Strong ability to coach, lead and direct engineering and maintenance staff
• Solid computer skills; Microsoft Office and CAD programs

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work standing for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records