Sr. Process Engineer

KIND Snacks•Chicago, IL

9h•$108,000 - $145,000

About The Position

The Sr. Process Engineer will provide process engineering support for multiple approved Innovation and renovation projects across Mars Snacking Health & Wellness Division (H&W) with specific focus on KIND, while also supporting Natures Bakery and trü frü Business Units as needed. This role will be critical for building the H&W internal technical expertise and executing Planned Innovation opportunities. The Sr. Process Engineer will also support business initiatives around value leadership, sustainability, and manufacturing support. Collaboration with a cross-functional team is necessary for success in this role, including H&W and Business Unit stakeholders. Projects may include input into the evaluation of manufacturing technologies and commissioning of new equipment.

Requirements

A BS or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related degree.
At least 5+ years of relevant concept to launch experience.
At least 5+ years of relevant experience in Process engineering, development and manufacturing qualifications, start-ups & innovation projects.
Strong foundational knowledge in food process technologies and equipment.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Familiarity with the activities in Marketing, Market Research, Legal/Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing.
The ability to travel 30% - 50% to support project work.
You bring a strong sense of urgency and a can-do attitude
You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
You bring a partnership and relationship-based approach in working with internal and external business partners. Always presenting a “we vs. me” attitude.
You bring a willingness to challenge our “way of work” to maximize our resources and enhance our success rate
You develop and manage supplier relationships and stay abreast of industry trends and technology developments to leverage outside ideas and technical solutions
You network with the global R&D community to share and utilize best practices.
You bring strong technical equipment knowledge to the organization
You execute the qualification and approval processes for new processing equipment, new lines, and/or manufacturing locations.
You develop & execute well thought-out trial plans, collect data, and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward; develop robust action plans, risk assessment, and contingency planning.
You are a proven problem solver and utilize analytical thinking to identify the root cause of an issue.
You support the pipeline development/validation/execution of all productivity projects involving process optimizations.

Responsibilities

Act as support for the Business Units and other key stakeholders for all Innovation, Renovation and Productivity projects.
A strategic thinker and approach business initiatives with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Able to influence, facilitate groups with diverse perspectives, and bring teams to consensus / alignment.
Able to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive outlook.
Able to demonstrate prudent judgment when making important decisions by utilizing knowledge of industry best practices and current trends.
Excellent at planning and prioritization skills with the ability to multi-task and rapidly adapt.
Provide guidance and support for engineering regarding design concepts, specifications and requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing processes.
Project scope development and management.
Reputation of the team, i.e., how the project was achieved.
Responsible for understanding the manufacturing processes of the company and identifying areas where the cost/ benefit favors technology and automation.
Effectiveness of team, build team, manage interpersonal opportunities.
Keeps abreast of best practices, and current or emerging manufacturing technologies to determine options and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with the HSE (Health Safety Environmental) and Food Safety and Quality Teams to ensure products are manufactured to specifications and in compliance with Mars INC Safety and Food Safety Standards.
Execute communication processes that ensure appropriate level of communication of daily activities between all stakeholders.
Collaborate with external project stakeholders to ensure priorities and standards have been reviewed and scope of work is aligned.

Benefits

401(K) or RRSP's with generous company match
Flexible Paid Time Off. Choose what works best for you, including summer hours. Paid parental leave.
Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you & your family’s needs
Company paid disability and life insurance to provide income protection
Your health is important! Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing via programs like Employee Assistance Program, a wellness subsidy, healthy food options and gym facility in HQ.
Casual office dress code– feel free to wear your KIND gear
Stock up on your favorite KIND bars to share with your family & friends, through a quarterly voucher
Training & tuition reimbursement program, because continuing to learn matters and we support your development
A dynamic, ambitious, fun and KIND work environment
Charitable Donation Matching: KIND matches your charitable donations up to $1000 annually through our donation matching portal.