Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location: Bedford Park, IL (Argo Plant). On-site role reporting to the Manager IPS.

About the role

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will be part of the Operations Excellence/Continuous Improvement team, leading the continuous improvement process and providing technical support including process studies, problem-solving, and process optimization. You will lead the implementation, sustainability, and improvements of the unit level's Ingredion Performance System (IPS).

Responsibilities

• Support implementing the CI/IPS management system and other CI/IPS related activities, ensuring sustainability of Management System tools such as routine dashboards, OEE measurement, and other routine indicators.
• Deliver Management System training covering concepts, tools, and deliverables to achieve awareness and facilitate CI/IPS adoption and cultural change.
• Help establish a baseline of main KPIs and support the unit leadership team during target setting according to regional, financial, and functional goals.
• Maintain an improvement plan/project portfolio (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost Reduction, etc.) through gap analysis to recommend implementation process improvements driving unit target achievement and organizational effectiveness.
• Support diverse cost reduction, productivity enhancement, and Safety/Quality improvement targets for the plant using PDCA, LSS, Kaizen, and other methodologies.
• Support the plant team in achieving Sustainability goals using CI tools.
• Evaluate new technologies and ideas, seeking approval for new concepts to improve process efficiency, facility safety, and product quality.
• Help drive implementation of a digital OEE system and reporting for the unit.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Ideation workshops, RCA studies, and other CI activities supporting plant performance enhancement.
• Leverage analytical and problem-solving skills to support plant management in identifying key success drivers and executing improvement objectives.
• Act as a change agent to achieve continuous improvement and a focused culture through collaboration with all business and functional units in the region, ensuring alignment of improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Plant leaders to multiply knowledge in CI methodologies and act as a cultural change agent.
• Support employee training in the proper application of Continuous Improvement and IPS concepts.
• Coach and mentor plant teams/individuals to ensure successful completion of IPS implementation and CI activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing engineering.
• Experience in Process/Industrial Engineering.
• Trained in Lean Manufacturing Practices and SPC.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering and unit operations relevant to the corn wet milling industry, such as basic chemistry, heat and mass balances, mechanics and physical/chemical separation, and energy management.
• Strong knowledge of digital systems including OEE, integrated action tracking, and KPI reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft tools such as PowerApps, PowerBI, and Power Automate (preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in and supporting lean management systems.
• Green Belt certification (desired but not required).
• At least 3 years of continuous improvement experience (more experience is desirable).
• Experience implementing OEE, electronic paperwork, or other digital process improvement solutions.

Skills

• Demonstrated self-starter with strong leadership skills and a high degree of integrity.
• Ability to utilize data and facts to articulate the need for change and build commitment from others.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication.
• Adherence to ethics and corporate values.
• Result-driven with a sense of urgency.
• Proactive, innovative, and strong will to succeed.
• High discipline in routine execution.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based pay.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Long-term savings and wellness resources for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Recognition Program with personalized recognition rewards globally.
• Employee Discount Program providing exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel.

Pay

Annual pay range: $84,400.00 - $112,533.33. This range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on factors including but not limited to job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market alignment. This role may also be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.