Process Engineer

Ferrara•Chicago, IL

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Process Engineer will make a meaningful impact on Ferrara’s Sugar Confections portfolio by leading key process development and implementation initiatives that enable innovation, improve manufacturing capability, and support business growth. This role is responsible for assessing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for new and existing products, including identifying process requirements and capital needs for new production lines. Working at the intersection of innovation and execution, this individual will help transform product ideas into scalable, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing solutions. Through close partnership with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and external partners, the Process Engineer will drive technical excellence, support successful commercialization, and explore new processing technologies that enhance productivity, expand capabilities, and strengthen Ferrara’s competitive advantage. Join us at a defining moment. This is an opportunity to play a critical role in shaping the products that will power Ferrara’s future at our new production site. We’re building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network in Orangeburg, SC. This is a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at more senior levels within R&D, Operations and Supply Chain, and to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Quickly analyze complex problems to determine root causes and find actionable pragmatic solutions to solve via a constructive action plan.
Good technical, analytical, and communication skills; ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information.
Strong project management abilities to define clear deliverables/KPIs and develop test plans to achieve. Also able to prioritize tasks, make decisions, manage timing, etc.
Demonstrated adaptability and resilience through planning for risks and being prepared with contingency plans.
Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution.
Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving CPG environments.
Able to inspire passion and creativity around shared goals with colleagues, and support an environment of achievement, recognition, and celebration.
Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practices, and solutions.
Adopt a positive, inclusive work environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their contributions.
Strive for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
Highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office), statistical software experience a plus.
B.S. in Food Process Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in a CPG R&D or Manufacturing Role, confectionary experience a plus.
This role is based in the Chicagoland area, but the candidate must be willing to work flexible hours on occasion and travel as necessary to internal and external facilities.
Availability to travel 25-75% of time and higher when required.

Nice To Haves

M.S., P.E. or PhD preferred
confectionary experience a plus

Responsibilities

Conduct process capability analyses and technical capability benchmarking across Sugar confectionary brands & products, identifying processing gaps.
Create new opportunities for enhanced manufacturing capabilities by modifying complex processes that expand product formats and improve efficiencies.
Scope and execute work streams & trials at plants and external vendors. Perform data analysis and use results to progress projects.
Develop Bases of Design for optimized production of new and existing products.
Develop robust SOPs and Process Specifications for foundational centerlining, enabling superior product quality.
Partner with Engineering to plan and conduct equipment FATs and SATs.
Execute qualification activities for product network moves, including manufacturing scale-up, data analysis, and documentation (ex. – process standard operating procedures).
Provide technological expertise, ideal process recommendations, and smooth handover to Operations.
Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Packaging functions, etc. toward successful planning, scale up, and execution of all workstreams.
Explore new processing technologies for existing products, performing appropriate testing at plants and external vendors.
Build technical expertise in the sugar category by networking with subject matter experts within the company and externally.
Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values.
Conduct assigned work in a safe manner and adhere to Ferrara safety methods.