Process Engineer

NLX Beverage Solutions•New Lenox, IL

32d•$92,300 - $106,800•Onsite

About The Position

NLX Beverage Solutions is now a part of Finlays Solutions, which operates manufacturing sites worldwide (USA, UK, Kenya). The primary role will be within the USA; however, there may be international co-operation with the head office as well as other Finlays’ sites around the world to help develop a consistent approach to Engineering Standards. Job Summary: The Process Engineer will play a critical role in driving operational excellence at the NLX manufacturing site. This position is responsible for evaluating, optimizing, and transforming key production processes to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance. In addition to leading process control and improvement initiatives, the role manages capital projects that enhance process capability, automation, and workplace safety. This includes early-stage technology development, scaling new processes, and upgrading existing systems to support Finlays’ long-term growth strategy. The Process Engineer will lead commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment and processes, ensuring seamless integration into operations. Success in this role requires strong Chemical and Process Engineering expertise, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams. As Finlays expands production capacity to meet increasing customer demand, this role will be instrumental in developing highly automated, lean, and sustainable manufacturing systems. Primarily based at the New Lenox site, the position may support additional Finlays Solutions facilities across the U.S. and contribute to the development of process and food safety standards for JFA and beyond.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline with broad applied experience in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; broad applied experience across chemical, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering.
Demonstrated competence in Safety Management within continuous processing and packaged goods environments.
Experience with World Class Manufacturing, Lean, or similar methodologies, with a proven track record of driving measurable change.
Strong understanding of Quality Assurance systems and GMP environments, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
Hands-on experience in a production environment, ideally in Food & Beverage or related sectors.
Technical experience with high-speed packaging lines, thermal processing systems, blending systems, and CIP systems.
Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and MS Project.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English required.
Willingness to work additional hours, and tailor schedule appropriately to support team goals and meet deadlines
Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks
Work environment sometimes involves exposure to inclement weather
Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment
Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety
Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols

Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Technical Leadership Evaluate and improve key manufacturing processes—including extraction, blending, CIP, and packaging—using sound engineering principles and data-driven analysis.
Assess current and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for process enhancement, automation, and cost reduction.
Develop and maintain P&IDs for existing and evolving processes.
Project & Capital Management Lead projects from concept through capital proposal, approval, installation, and implementation.
Build robust business cases in partnership with Finance and cross-functional stakeholders, including cost-benefit analyses and ROI justification.
Ensure all engineering solutions meet the highest standards of process safety, occupational safety, and sanitary design.
Manage internal and external resources to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Commissioning, Validation & Startup Lead commissioning, qualification, and startup of new equipment and processes.
Conduct rigorous process and equipment trials, documenting results and ensuring readiness for full-scale operation.
Continuous Improvement & Performance Monitoring Establish and maintain systems for ongoing process performance evaluation, reporting, and optimization.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with World Class Manufacturing principles.
Manage change control processes, ensuring traceability, documentation, and verification of expected vs. actual benefits.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical Support Partner with Commercialization, R&D and NPD teams to translate concepts into scalable, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Provide engineering expertise to internal teams and external business partners.
Review packaging formats to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
Build a strong knowledge base and network to serve as a subject matter expert.
Process Safety & Compliance Collaborate closely with the Process Safety Team to evaluate and enhance process safety systems and standards.
Ensure compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements across all process improvements.