Process Engineer

Kerry•Alton, IL

25d•$63,000 - $103,450

About The Position

The Process Engineer monitors and optimizes the chemical and technical aspects of on-site vinegar production. The role supports equipment, utilities, process control systems, and bacterial colony health, and helps troubleshoot production issues involving contamination, equipment malfunctions, and human error. The engineer leads and participates in process improvement and risk assessment work, supports operator training, and helps ensure compliance with Quality & Food Safety policies and management systems. The position also contributes to safety and environmental practices, SAP documentation and training, and plant production activities such as sampling and testing. Ability to travel up to 50% is required. The position may involve climbing stairs and catwalks, lifting up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, and exposure to vinegar fumes and odors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with at least 3 years of food or pharmaceutical industry experience in a technical support role.
Strong leadership skills.
Highly motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to support process optimization and troubleshooting activities.
Ability to train and develop operators on technical processes.
Ability to participate in process and equipment risk assessments.
Ability to travel up to 50%.
Ability to climb stairs and catwalks, lift up to 50 pounds, work in confined spaces, and work around vinegar fumes and odors.

Nice To Haves

2–5 years of experience in a similar manufacturing environment.
Programming experience.

Responsibilities

Monitor and optimize the chemical and technical aspects of all vinegar production on site.
Troubleshoot and maintain equipment, utilities, process control systems, and bacterial colony growth and health.
Lead and participate in process improvement projects to enhance vinegar production and process efficiency.
Develop and deliver training programs to improve operator skills and knowledge of the vinegar fermentation process.
Assist in troubleshooting production issues caused by contamination, equipment malfunctions, and human error.
Participate in process and equipment risk assessments to improve engineering design and safety.
Ensure compliance with Quality & Food Safety policies and management systems.
Report failures of the Quality & Food Safety Management Systems to site management.
Demonstrate leadership in safety and environmental practices.
Enforce safety rules and encourage safe work behaviors.
Assist with SAP documentation and training as required.
Support plant production activities, including sampling and testing, as needed.