Process Engineer

Louis Dreyfus Company•Upper Sandusky, OH

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer is a technical resource who drives plant operating efficiencies and supports improvements at an industrial agricultural or food chemical facility. Working as a team player with minimal supervision, the position develops process-design expertise, applies LDC project management and process work practices, and delivers technical support to the business. The role works with plant operations and other teams to analyze process conditions and operational data, identify root causes and improvement opportunities, support safe and standards-compliant process designs, and coordinate engineering activities and external contractors. It also develops and executes asset-improvement projects, helping ensure they meet agreed timelines and budgets and demonstrating their performance impact. The position works closely with plant operations, management, SHE staff, regional teams, technical experts, contractors, suppliers, and other departments. It is safety-sensitive and involves time split between an industrial plant and office environments, with routine visits to operational areas and travel as needed for training and technical conferences. The position does not directly supervise employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering; Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Industrial, or Agricultural engineering is specified.
At least 2 years of relevant process engineering design experience or related industry-specific experience.
Knowledge of applicable government regulations and personnel policies relevant to safe and timely capital projects or process changes.
Knowledge of state and federal safety, health, and environmental regulations.
Understanding of plant processing, oils recovery, grain and milling operations, or biofuels.
Ability to use AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
Ability to use software such as Wonderware, RSLogix, and PowerLogic.
Exposure to plant operations, maintenance, and safety.
Knowledge of industry design codes and regulations, including NFPA 36, OSHA, and EPA standards and requirements.
Mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to organize and plan effectively while handling multiple assignments.
Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with people at all organizational levels and work as a team member.
Strong quantitative, analytical, and financial analysis skills.
Ability to apply procurement and contract negotiation skills and implement PHA/HAZOP processes.
High sense of urgency and tolerance for ambiguity; ability to prioritize tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and documentation skills.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders, work at heights and in confined spaces, and work in varying temperatures and potentially inclement weather.
Ability to bend and lift manufacturing materials, products, and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more, and wear required PPE.
Ability to work unsupervised and make critical decisions concerning project and plant process management.

Nice To Haves

Experience and direct involvement in construction and start-up of plant-improvement projects.
Experience with high-sanitization processes using Clean-In-Place systems.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain technical knowledge and provide technical coaching, consulting, and support to the plant team, site, and region.
Work with operations to track and improve operational KPIs, including energy, inputs, yield, and unit performance.
Monitor and analyze process conditions and data to identify root causes and opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and performance; use statistical analysis to interpret and justify process conditions.
Ensure process design deliverables meet plant needs, timelines, budgets, LDC standards, SHE requirements, and applicable local codes and standards.
Identify technical challenges and engage plant management, commercial teams, regional colleagues, and technical experts to resolve them.
Demonstrate leadership and work with production and business teams to drive improvement.
Coordinate plant process engineering activities and direct or administer external contractors and suppliers as required.
Participate in process, project, safety, and design reviews, including DHA/PHA/HAZOP and PRA/PHA/HAZOP activities, and review control narratives, cause-and-effect documents, electrical area classifications, and process risk assessments.
Coordinate development of scopes of work, heat and material balances, PFDs, P&IDs, process descriptions, equipment lists, operations training, and procedures.
Identify and develop asset-improvement opportunities and execute projects from development and justification through approval and deployment.
Ensure assigned projects are completed within agreed timelines and budgets, and develop methods to track and demonstrate performance impact.
Serve as a primary engineering interface for technical issues with operations and provide troubleshooting support as requested by plant leadership.
Work with SHE staff to support regulatory certifications and compliance for capital and process improvements and operating practices; follow applicable SHE policies, rules, and procedures.
Ensure employees receive required training before being assigned work; maintain a safe and orderly work area and remedy unsafe conditions as soon as practicable.
Follow construction completion criteria and requirements with the maintenance manager and assist local management with project start-up.
Perform additional projects and duties as assigned.
Perform quality work within deadlines, interact professionally, work cooperatively, and comply with applicable laws and company policies.