Process Engineer

About the role

This position serves as a technical resource to drive plant operating efficiencies and support plant improvements at an Industrial Agricultural/Food Chemical Facility. The role requires working as a team player with minimal supervision, developing an understanding of process design technical fundamentals, and delivering expertise to the business.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong technical knowledge; leverage technical know-how and implement best practice applications by providing technical coaching, consulting, and support for others within the plant team, site, and region.
• Work with operations to track and improve operational KPIs related to Energy, Inputs, Yield, Unit Performance, and other site-defined metrics.
• Monitor and analyze process conditions related to Quality, Efficiency, and Performance, individually and in teams, to identify root cause and articulate opportunities for improvement and optimization.
• Analyze process data using statistical analysis for the interpretation and justification of process conditions.
• Ensure process design deliverables meet the needs of the plant as intended, on time, and within budget.
• Ensure process designs are safe, reasonable, and meet LDC standards, SHE requirements, and local codes and standards.
• Identify technical challenges and appropriately engage plant management, commercial teams, regional team members, and technical experts to resolve.
• Demonstrate leadership skills and interact with the production team and the business to drive improvement.
• Coordinate process engineering activities of the plant and direct/administer external contractors and suppliers as required.
• Participate in Process, Project, Safety, and Design Reviews, including DHA/PHA/HAZOP and PRA/PHA/HAZOP, control narratives, cause and effect documents, electrical area classification, and process risk assessments.
• Coordinate the development of scope of work, heat and material balances, PFDs, P&IDs, process descriptions, equipment lists, operations training, and procedures.
• Assist and lead in the development of Asset Improvement opportunities for the benefit of the facility to perform current functions at a more efficient level.
• Execute project management for Asset Improvement projects from development, approval, justification, and deployment.
• Ensure assigned projects are executed within an agreed timeline and budget with management.
• Develop tracking and performance identification methods that demonstrate impact.
• Serve as one of the primary interfaces for engineering on technical issues with operations.
• Provide problem-solving and troubleshooting support as requested by plant leadership.
• Work with Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) staff to assure regulatory certifications and compliance on capital and process improvements and normal operating practices regarding SHE.
• Maintain good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules, and procedures applicable to the area of responsibility and ensure all applicable requirements are adhered to.
• Ensure employees are provided required training for the assigned area, jobs, and tasks prior to assigning work.
• Ensure the area of responsibility is maintained in an orderly and safe manner.
• Ensure unsafe working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable.
• Follow construction completion criteria and construction requirements with the maintenance manager.
• Assist in project start-up with local management.
• Perform additional projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Industrial, or Agricultural.
• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant process engineering design experience, or related industry specific experience.
• Know applicable government regulations and personnel policies to ensure compliance and accomplish the safe and timely completion of capital projects and/or process changes.
• Know state and federal regulations regarding safety, health, and environmental management to ensure compliance.
• Understand the basics of plant processing, oils recovery, grain and milling operations, or biofuels.
• Use applicable computer software packages, including AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
• Use applicable software packages such as Wonderware, RSLogix, and PowerLogic.
• Apply exposure to plant operations, maintenance, and safety.
• Know design codes and governmental regulations affecting the industry, including but not limited to NFPA 36, OSHA, and EPA standards and requirements.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills.
• Organize and plan effectively while handling multiple assignments at the same time.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Work as a team member in a team environment.
• Apply strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Demonstrate a high sense of urgency.
• Apply financial analysis skills.
• Apply procurement and contract negotiation skills.
• Implement PHA/HAZOP processes.
• Demonstrate tolerance for ambiguity.
• Collaborate comfortably with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and direct involvement in the construction and start-up of plant improvement projects.
• Experience working with high sanitization process with Clean-In-Place systems.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and multiple priorities, primarily in a climate-controlled office environment within an industrial facility.
• Travel is required as needed for training purposes and technical conferences.
• Time split between industrial plant and office environments.
• There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter.
• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments, middle and senior management personnel as well as individuals in other Company locations.
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to immediate needs.
• Portions of the day will be spent outside with routine visits to operational areas resulting in exposure to a variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to a variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions; potential exposure to gases, vapors, dust, odors, and flammable liquids; occasional exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise.
• This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in a variety of temperatures and potential inclement weather.
• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products, and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision care coverage.
• Flexible spending account plans.
• Employee assistance program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401k with Company Match.
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility, and family building benefits.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.
• Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles).