Process Engineer

Florida Crystals / ASR Group • Arabi, LA

4d

About The Position

The Process Engineer provides engineering services for sugar processing at a refinery, focusing on improving current operations. The role advances process efficiency by developing and executing sustainable improvements in an older refinery. It requires a hands-on engineering approach, a strong field presence, and support for daily operations while improving melt throughput, reliability, recovery, and sucrose-loss performance.

The Process Engineer works across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Reliability, and Engineering, supporting troubleshooting, process control optimization, process trials, employee development, and assigned process projects. The position also provides operational support outside normal business hours during critical startups, shutdowns, interruptions, and other high-priority situations, while following safety, environmental, food safety, and food security procedures.

Requirements

• Five years of Chemical or Process Engineering experience is desired.
• Experience developing or assisting in the development of new processes, operating procedures, and sustainable process improvements.
• Demonstrated success identifying and implementing improvements in throughput, reliability, recovery, quality, energy use, or cost performance.
• Prior involvement supporting multiple capital projects and coordinating work across operations, maintenance, and engineering functions.
• A B.S. degree or higher in Engineering, preferably Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering field from an accredited college or university.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and practical experience in process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Ability to make data-based decisions using information from multiple sources.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methods for triggered events and proactive improvements.
• Knowledge of unit operations, process fundamentals, process measurement, laboratory analysis, automation, and control systems.
• Knowledge of maintenance techniques and systems that support reliable operation.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment, controls, and process performance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing requirements, GMPs, HACCP, SQF, safety standards, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to balance technical analysis with practical field execution; creative problem-solving skills and ability to challenge existing practices constructively.
• Self-directed work habits with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and accountability during operational upsets.
• Ability to learn processes associated with refining and processing sugar cane.
• Willingness to maintain a boots-on-the-ground presence to support reliability and performance at an aging facility.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours or various shifts, including nights and weekends when needed, to support melt delivery and high-pressure operating scenarios.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, refining, chemical processing, or a continuous-process environment is preferred.
• Experience training, coaching, or mentoring operations personnel is highly desirable.
• Experience supervising employees or leading projects involving employees in a unionized work environment is a plus.
• Wonderware and SAP experience are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods to improve existing processes through automation, process development, and application of new technologies.
• Work with Control Engineers to optimize process controls and fine-tune control points to improve efficiency, stability, and product quality.
• Assist Process Superintendents and Supervisors with troubleshooting process issues and implementing practical, sustainable solutions.
• Provide hands-on technical support in the field and engage operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to identify and implement process improvements.
• Identify and implement opportunities to increase melt throughput, improve recovery, and reduce sucrose losses throughout the refinery process.
• Use operating data, laboratory results, field observations, and process trends to identify root causes and support data-based decisions.
• Develop, train, coach, and mentor operators and newer employees to strengthen process knowledge, troubleshooting capability, and operational consistency.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Reliability, and Engineering teams to drive sustainable improvements and operational excellence.
• Manage process projects and tasks assigned by Process Managers, including scope development, coordination, execution, and follow-through.
• Perform laboratory testing and process trials to support troubleshooting, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide operational support outside normal business hours during critical startups, shutdowns, process interruptions, and other high-priority operating situations.
• Work within all safety, environmental, food safety, and food security procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time