Process Engineer - APC

The purpose of this job is to ensure continuous improvement in manufacturing productivity and efficiency through process optimization, equipment and systems utilization, data analysis, and innovation.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education / Experience:

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field preferred. 

JOB DUTIES:

• Recommend and implement improvements to existing production processes, methods, and controls to achieve continued improvements in plant efficiency, cost reduction, and energy savings. 
• Assist plants to resolve process problems and equipment issues.
• Assist plant personnel and R&D during trials.
• Coordinate or lead various new engineering and plant expansion projects by initiating any necessary project feasibility studies to assist in determining the project’s value and priority. 
• Promote the learning and understanding of food / chemical processing, especially unit operations, such as heat transferring (high pressure cooking, heating), material transport (conveying, pumping), separation (filtering, centrifugation), concentration (evaporation), material drying (spray dry), etc.
• Review process steps for efficiency improvement through automation, proper training, or streamlining the efficiency of the production process.
• Work closely with the plant teams on innovation ideas, review, and implementation.
• Assist in developing standards to measure manufacturing productivity at critical process points and establish data collection for measurement and performance adherence.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Travel to APC supplier and production facilities expected to be 25 to 40%.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Solid technical background in chemical engineering or food processing, especially in basic unit operations, such as heating, evaporation, centrifuge, drying process, liquid transporting, etc.
• Good knowledge in general equipment evaluation, selection, and supply relating to the food, meat, or chemical industries.
• Some working experience or production knowledge in food, meat, or related areas is preferred. 
• Proficient in CAD.
• Ability to frequently travel and work in the plants for extended hours.
• Position requires data collection and interpretation, case study and fact establishment, troubleshooting and diagnosing, drawing valid conclusions, and the ability to apply critical thinking skills.  Must be detail oriented.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills as this position will make frequent presentations to technical and non-technical members through technical reports, sketches, diagrams, or spreadsheets.
• Ability to work independently but also have the ability and aspiration to be an accountable and open-minded team player.
• Innovative thinker that can take ideas and provide alternatives for productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Knowledge on conducting time studies to determine efficiency standards for production positions.

BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Approximate:      8-Hour Day (may be longer during peak season)

Key:                    Occasional           =            0% - 33%

                             Frequent              =            34% - 66%

                             Continuous          =            67% - 100%

                             N/A                                    =            Not Applicable

              Standing                                                    Frequent

              Sitting                                                                                                       Occasional

              Walking                                                                                                               Occasional

              Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping                                                         Occasional

              Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.)                                                                        Occasional

              Working on Heights:

              Unprotected Heights