Process Engineer

Job Summary

The Process Engineer is a key technical resource supporting process engineering, project execution, and plant operations within a food-grade powder blending facility. This role ensures equipment reliability, consistent product quality, and optimal production capacity through data-driven process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives. Working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and EHS, the Process Engineer drives improvements in mixing accuracy, material flow, sanitation efficiency, and overall equipment performance. This position is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented engineer passionate about applying technical expertise and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance safety, food quality, and operational excellence.

About the Role

This role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented engineer who can apply technical expertise and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance safety, food quality, and operational excellence. The Process Engineer will drive improvements in mixing accuracy, material flow, sanitation efficiency, and overall equipment performance. They will also lead and facilitate root cause analysis sessions (5Why, fishbone, DMAIC) to resolve issues related to blend quality, material flow challenges, and equipment reliability.

Responsibilities

• Collect, validate, and maintain production and process data to identify performance trends, deviations, and improvement opportunities.
• Build and maintain dashboards and visual tools to communicate process capability, yield, blend uniformity, and throughput performance.
• Optimize powder handling, batching, blending, and packaging processes to reduce variability and improve product quality and consistency.
• Track post-implementation results to verify improvement effectiveness and identify additional optimization opportunities.
• Lead and facilitate root cause analysis sessions (5Why, fishbone, DMAIC) to resolve issues related to blend quality, material flow challenges, and equipment reliability.
• Drive waste reduction initiatives with a focus on reducing downtime, material loss, and rework in powder processes.
• Support cultural transformation by embedding lean and CI tools on the production floor.
• Provide daily technical support to Operations for troubleshooting blend inconsistencies, flow blockages, segregation issues, and equipment performance concerns.
• Assist in defining process parameters, blend cycle times, equipment settings, and control strategies to ensure repeatable and compliant operations.
• Partner with QA and Sanitation teams to ensure processes meet food safety, allergen control, sanitation, and hygienic design requirements.
• Scope, cost, and execute improvement and capital projects related to blending equipment, conveying systems, dust collection, bulk handling, and automation.
• Lead vendor walkthroughs for project scoping and quotations, including issuance of work permits and oversight of onsite vendor activities to ensure safe and compliant execution.
• Drive technical discussions with suppliers to evaluate equipment options and generate accurate project proposals.
• Partner with Maintenance to evaluate equipment condition, repair plans, and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Support OEE tracking, loss analysis, and spare parts optimization for blending, conveying, and ancillary equipment.
• Apply basic mechanical proficiency to diagnose equipment issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, including safety, food safety, allergen control, sanitation, and GMPs.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements affecting food manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in process engineering, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Experience with powder blending, batching, and packaging processes.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to drive process improvements.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic mechanical proficiency and the ability to diagnose equipment issues.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of driving process improvements and optimizing production efficiency.
• Experience with lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and GMPs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Skills

• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Process optimization and improvement.
• Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Food safety regulations and GMPs.
• Basic mechanical proficiency.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible work schedule and remote work options.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Collaborative and supportive work culture.
• Opportunities for career advancement and growth.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the business and the employee.

Company Overview

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more.