Associate Process Engineer

CONAGRA • Chicago, IL

5d • $59,000 - $78,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager R&D, you will support the development and commercialization of new food processes and technologies. You will focus on defining critical process transformations, developing performance-based specifications, and exploring broad solution spaces with the goal of delivering consumer benefits through profitable, efficient, and operationally sound designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Food, or Biological Engineering or related field
• 1+ year of related experience or internship history with process technology, process engineering or related industry experience
• Basic understanding of process documentation, including Process Flow Sheets, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, and process control concepts.
• Familiarity with mass and energy balances and willingness to learn more advanced techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to share ideas clearly.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
• Exposure to project management principles.
• Problem-solving skills with a structured approach; interest in learning methodologies like Six Sigma.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in dynamic environments.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Eagerness to learn and grow in technical judgment and decision-making.
• May lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Willingness to work in pilot plant and production environment with exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions and all food allergens.
• Comfortable climbing stairs or ladders and moving safely around machinery.
• Ability to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply the Methodology of Product/Process/Package Development (MOPD).
• Develop and define manufacturing processes that meet consumer and marketplace requirements for new products while achieving process, quality, and cost objectives.
• Define the physical, chemical, and biological transformations required to produce new food products.
• Execute bench-top and pilot plant testing to develop prototypes and validate hypotheses.
• Review and analyze experimental results to provide process recommendations and prepare findings for leadership presentations.
• Provide technical support in manufacturing facilities as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and distill them into Intellectual Property documentation.
• Monitor consumer trends and emerging needs within the food industry.
• Demonstrate flexibility in learning and applying new approaches to work.
• Assist in providing technical leadership on projects as required.
• Requires travel approximately 25% of the time, with peak travel reaching 40% as needed.

Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees