Process design engineer

IFF • Cedar Rapids, IA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health & biosciences, delivering sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. The Food Ingredients business unit is focused on innovating improved nutritional profiles, better taste and texture, and greater cost efficiency to meet the needs of global food and beverage manufacturers. This role is based in Cedar Rapids, IA, and is an on-site position. The position is part of the Food Ingredients business unit and is identified to transition to CVC Capital Partners, with the sale expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with global and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret process data and use data-driven approaches to improve performance.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Willingness to work in a hands-on production environment.
• Understanding of engineering principles related to manufacturing processes, equipment, and process optimization.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with process commissioning, plant startup, or equipment qualification.
• Familiarity with PLC, SCADA, DCS, or other process control systems.
• Experience in food, ingredients, chemical, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with data analysis, process modeling, or manufacturing performance monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Support start-up and commissioning activities, including equipment validation, process trials, troubleshooting, and performance verification.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain process automation functional descriptions and operating standards.
• Participate in commissioning planning, execution, startup support, and project documentation activities.
• Assist with process safety, quality, and operational readiness reviews to ensure successful project implementation.
• Develop a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, utilities, and automation systems.
• Monitor process performance data and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, cost reduction, and capacity enhancement.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption, waste generation, and resource usage.
• Support maintenance and reliability efforts by troubleshooting process and equipment-related issues.
• Assist with the execution of small capital projects, including scope development, vendor coordination, installation oversight, and startup support.
• Partner with engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to drive technical solutions and operational improvements.
• Ensure all engineering activities are conducted in compliance with health, safety, environmental, and food safety requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level