(Sr.) Process Engineer

Perfetti Van Melle•Loves Park, IL

51d•$85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos and Airheads!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We're currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic (Sr.) Process and Product Development Engineer to join our Rockford Production team.WHAT YOU WILL DO The (Sr.) Process and Product Development Engineer plays a key role in improving how we make our products — from early testing to full production. This role focuses on developing new processes, scaling up new products, and finding ways to make our manufacturing lines run better, faster, and with less waste. You will work closely with R D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and Marketing teams, both in the U.S. and globally. This position requires a mix of technical expertise, problem solving, and collaboration to support, high-quality results.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
5-10+ years of experience in process or product engineering, preferably in food or consumer goods manufacturing.
Hands-on experience with equipment commissioning, system optimization, and continuous improvement tools (SPC, data analysis, etc.).
Working knowledge of ingredient functionality and food manufacturing standards (GMP, sanitation, regulatory).
Skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Teams; certifications such as CFS, HACCP, or CI are a plus.
Strong communicator with proven ability to lead projects, collaborate across teams, and deliver results under tight timelines.
Professional, proactive, and solution-oriented; comfortable balancing strategic and hands-on work.
Curious, analytical, and driven to improve processes.
Able to travel as needed and lift up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

certifications such as CFS, HACCP, or CI are a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead product and process development — from trials to factory production ensuring products meet performance, quality, and cost goals.
Plan and run product trials, analyze data, and share clear recommendations based on results.
Commission and validate new equipment, working with Engineering and suppliers to make sure installations meet performance standards.
Improve production performance by increasing line efficiency, reducing waste, and boosting equipment reliability.
Work with suppliers to qualify ingredients, identify alternatives, and reduce material or sourcing risks.
Partner with Quality and Regulatory to ensure recipes meet all food safety and labeling requirements.
Translate data and results into reliable processes and set clear product quality limits that match production capabilities.
Support troubleshooting efforts in the plant when production issues arise.
Coach and develop plant colleagues to build technical capability and onboarding new employees when needed.
Share insights and influence decisions by explaining technical results and business impact to cross-functional partners.