Process Engineer II

TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOCIATION • Decatur, IL

19d • $89,790 - $130,197 • Hybrid

About The Position

Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals. Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us. As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (engineering, food science, or related discipline)
• 4–7 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or process engineering environment
• Mass balance process flows and calculations
• Heat exchange (conceptual, theoretical, & applicable)
• Food or dairy packaging experience
• Experience working with multi trade-based vendors/contractors
• Familiarity with USDA Dairy and 3A Sanitary Design Standards
• 3-A Hygienic Design Online Learning courses (Levels 1.0–4.0)
• Tilla-Leadership program
• Sitting
• Standing and/or walking
• Lifting 25 lbs
• Vision for machine or computer operations
• Hearing
• Must be able to travel 25-50% between Tillamook manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Independently leads recurring problem-solving and improvement efforts, partnering with operations to implement durable solutions.
• Drives department-wide measurable improvements (throughput, downtime, yield, reliability) and develops capacity and constraint analyses that inform site-level long-range planning priorities.
• Applies structured troubleshooting methods to recurring and ambiguous process problems; works across shifts and on the floor to move beyond symptoms and consistently identify root cause.
• Uses production data, downtime trends, and process metrics to lead root cause investigations and continuous improvement within the department; demonstrates the ability to turn recurring issues into verified, sustained gains.
• Applies CIP principles, sanitary design standards (3-A/USDA), and drainability considerations across multiple system areas; demonstrates sound judgment in identifying and escalating sanitation risks (receiving through finished product, separations, pasteurization, cultures, packaging, whey handling).
• Applies mass and energy balance methods to quantify losses, constraints, and improvement opportunities using real data; uses throughput modeling to support improvement and capacity decisions.
• Developing fluency in control intent, sensor placement and troubleshooting, functional descriptions, and operator interface design.
• Building the ability to evaluate equipment fit, failure modes, cleanability, and lifecycle cost; contributes to vendor evaluations and equipment selection.
• Applies end-to-end dairy process knowledge across system areas (receiving through finished product, separations, pasteurization, cultures, packaging, whey handling); uses system understanding to diagnose process behavior beyond the immediate area.
• Developing understanding of how refrigeration, steam, compressed air, water, and wastewater systems constrain and enable production; building the ability to recognize utility-driven process issues.
• Applies capacity and constraint analysis to identify bottlenecks; uses capacity and constraint analyses to inform site-level long-range planning priorities.
• Applies project execution practices to deliver department-level process improvements end to end — scope definition, design, installation, scheduling, and close-out — delivering measurable results.
• Ensures regulatory compliance (ODA, USDA, FDA, SQF, PSM/RMP).
• Mandate adherence to all safety guidelines and work to provide a safe work environment for all employees.
• Picks up on situational cues and adjusts in the moment; readily adapts personal, interpersonal, and work style to the demands of different situations.
• Asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations and acquires data from multiple, diverse sources; uncovers root causes and evaluates the pros, cons, risks, and benefits of different solution options.
• Sets objectives that align with broader organizational goals, breaks them into appropriate initiatives and actions, stages activities with relevant milestones and schedules, and adjusts contingency plans as needed.
• Deals comfortably with the uncertainty of change and effectively handles risk; decides and acts without the total picture, staying calm and productive even when things are up in the air.
• Communicates effectively one-on-one and in small and large groups across diverse styles and position levels; attentively listens, adjusts to fit the audience and message, and provides timely, helpful information across the organization.
• Works cooperatively across the organization to achieve shared objectives; partners to get work done, represents own interests while being fair to others, credits others for their contributions, and gains their trust and support.
• Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same; acts with a clear sense of ownership, takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and outcomes, and establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results.
• Utilize a computer with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Benefits

• Low premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 100% match on the first 6% you contribute.
• Up to $420 annually for fitness-related expenses.
• Competitive vacation, 10 paid holidays, birthday off, Heritage Day, and paid volunteer time.
• Pet insurance and inclusive family-forming benefits including adoption assistance.
• Financial assistance for online degrees, tuition reimbursement, and access to Rosetta Stone.
• Yum Bucks for free Tillamook products, birthday gifts, employee discounts, and more.

What This Job Offers

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