Process Engineer

HEARTLAND FARMS INC • Hancock, WI

25d • Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer evaluates, improves, and standardizes manufacturing and agricultural processes across Top Tier Ingredients and Heartland Farms. This hands-on, operationally focused role analyzes production performance, identifies improvement opportunities, and manages projects from initial evaluation through implementation and follow-up to support sustainable results. Assignments may span receiving, processing, dehydration, packaging, loadout, sanitation, maintenance, planting, irrigation, harvest, storage, and equipment operations.

The role works alongside frontline employees and supervisors to understand processes and establish performance baselines. It uses production data, Lean and Six Sigma methods, and employee feedback to develop and implement practical process improvements. The engineer manages projects, coordinates across departments, and evaluates whether implemented changes produce sustained results. The position also identifies opportunities to standardize processes and provides technical input on SOPs, work instructions, and related documentation in collaboration with area supervisors and Quality Assurance.

The work schedule varies with operational demands, seasonal activities, and weather. Flexibility is required for daily and weekly hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and varying shifts. Work is performed in office, manufacturing, warehouse, maintenance, and agricultural settings, with regular walking, standing, and interaction with employees in active operational areas. Conditions may include noise, dust, moisture, temperature fluctuations, moving equipment, and seasonal outdoor exposure. The position is on-site and may require travel between company locations and work settings.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience observing and measuring operational work, improving processes, and producing technical documentation relied on by others.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, mechanical, chemical, agricultural, or food engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience in manufacturing, food processing, or agricultural operations.
• Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including root-cause analysis, process improvement, and work measurement techniques such as time studies, Kaizen, or DMAIC.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and complete responsibilities on time.
• Ability to analyze production data and operational workflows and translate findings into practical recommendations through effective written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and operational data analysis, including organizing information, evaluating performance trends, and preparing clear, accurate reports.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, including the ability to build trust and credibility with frontline employees and influence change without direct supervisory authority.
• Ability to work effectively with manufacturing, farm operations, shipping, maintenance, quality, sanitation, warehousing, and leadership teams.
• Ability to work on-site and travel between company locations and work settings.
• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods and to walk through farm and operational areas.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required when operating a company or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Comply with applicable safety, sanitation, food safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Formal Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• Food manufacturing experience, including GMP, HACCP/FSMA requirements, and customer audits.
• Background in dehydration, thermal processing, drying, or bulk solids handling.
• Experience with OEE, ERP/production-management systems, process historians, PLC/SCADA data, or plant analytics.
• Previous hands-on experience as an operator, mechanic, or crew lead.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside frontline employees and supervisors to understand operational processes, equipment, constraints, and work practices before recommending significant changes.
• Conduct time studies, work sampling, process mapping, and workflow assessments to establish performance baselines for productivity, throughput, downtime, yield, labor utilization, and other measures.
• Analyze production data and apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including root-cause analysis, to identify inefficiencies, recurring issues, and opportunities to improve safety, quality, capacity, cost, and workflow.
• Collaborate with frontline employees and operational leaders to identify, develop, and recommend improvements to processes, equipment utilization, work methods, labor efficiency, and material movement.
• Lead the evaluation, testing, and implementation of approved process improvements using operational data, employee feedback, and measurable performance objectives.
• Manage assigned improvement projects from conception through completion, including scope, objectives, timelines, resources, stakeholder coordination, action items, and risk management.
• Coordinate implementation across departments, communicate project progress, resolve barriers, and escalate issues that require leadership involvement.
• Evaluate implemented improvements against established baselines and conduct follow-up reviews, including 30- and 90-day assessments as appropriate, to verify effectiveness and sustainability.
• Identify opportunities to standardize operational processes and recommend updates to SOPs, work instructions, and related documentation; provide technical input and review content for accuracy with area supervisors and Quality Assurance.

What This Job Offers

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