Production Engineer II

Innophos; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Innophos is seeking a Production Engineer for our Chicago Heights plant. This hands-on role involves working closely with leadership to ensure production runs smoothly in a GMP environment. Responsibilities include developing procedures, troubleshooting, and driving improvements in safety and quality.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in manufacturing. We offer a salary range of $79,000 to $117,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of overall professional experience in engineering or manufacturing roles.
• At least 1 year of experience in chemical plant unit operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement production procedures as required.
• Initiate and/or implement process improvement projects.
• Track and calculate production performance metrics.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Project management skills

Knowledge of material hazards and environmental protection

Familiarity with GMP concepts

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering

Job description

Innophos is hiring a Production Engineer for our Chicago Heights plant.

This is a hands‑on role at the center of plant operations, working closely with leadership, operations, EHS, union teams, and other key partners to keep production safe, reliable, and running smoothly in a GMP environment.

You’ll support 24/7 equipment reliability, help maintain product quality, and make sure day‑to‑day operations stay on track with minimal downtime.

The role includes developing and maintaining procedures, training and supporting operators, troubleshooting issues on the floor, and driving practical improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement production procedures as required
• Evaluate production results/troubleshoot problems – implement corrective actions as required
• Perform and evaluate training
• Initiate and/or implement process improvement projects and prepare capital budget needs for assigned processes
• Ensure continuous improvement of plant processes
• Day to day interaction with hourly force within assigned production units
• Track, calculate, communicate production performance metrics (including but not limited to RFT, OEE, etc.)
• Audit production database daily for accuracy and completeness

Quality and Food Safety

• Perform training for both salary and hourly personnel as required
• Oversee MOC process as it relates to the tasks of the position
• Fulfill responsibilities which ensure food safety, legality, and quality
• Perform as designee for plant production coordinator positions in the absence of the responsible person
• Support other production areas as needed.
• Responsible to investigate, answer and implement corrective actions to all customer complaints

Safety and Health

• Responsible for maintaining the Safety and Health standards, actively participation in employee safety training, hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, and exercising management leadership

General

• Work with plant teams to achieve plant objectives
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering required; Chemical Engineering preferred
• 3+ years of overall professional experience in engineering or manufacturing roles
• At least 1 year of experience in chemical plant unit operations, including reactions, heat transfer, size reduction, and bulk solids handling

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Experience managing small capital projects (up to $100K), including timelines, installation, and deliverables
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and service providers to meet project goals
• Develop plant energy and material balances
• Read and create PFDs and P&IDs
• Solid understanding of plant economics
• Knowledge of material hazards, environmental protection, and permitting requirements
• Familiarity with GMP concepts and Management of Change processes
• SPC knowledge is a plus
• Basic understanding of lab analytical techniques is a plus
• Strong commitment to safety

$79,000 - $117,000 a year

Equal Opportunity Employer

Innophos is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Innophos is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates in our recruiting process, as required by applicable federal, state and local laws.