Associate Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description

About Ingredion: 

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create. 

Location: Indianapolis, IN.

Workplace type: On-site.

We’re looking for a proactive and analytical Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our team and help elevate our operations to the next level. If you’re passionate about streamlining processes, reducing inefficiencies, and leading cross-functional teams toward smarter solutions, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will be responsible for 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 Ingredion Performance System (IPS) at the unit level. This role will report to the IPS Manager.

What you will do:

• Lead the Implementation of CI/IPS Systems: Drive deployment of the Continuous Improvement (CI) and IPS management systems, ensuring adoption and long-term sustainability of key tools like dashboards and performance indicators.
• Act as a Change Agent for Organizational Transformation: Champion a culture of continuous improvement across the plant by collaborating with leadership and cross-functional teams to align initiatives with strategic goals.
• Develop and Execute Improvement Portfolios: Analyze gaps and create actionable project portfolios focused on safety, quality, service, and cost optimization to achieve plant targets and boost operational efficiency.
• Support KPI Management and Target Setting: Establish performance baselines and assist leadership in setting realistic and aligned KPIs tied to financial, regional, and functional objectives.
• Facilitate and Coach CI Activities: Guide plant teams through Kaizen events, root cause analyses (RCA), workshops, and training sessions to build internal capability and drive a CI-focused mindset.
• Identify and Recommend System Enhancements: Continuously suggest and implement improvements to the Management System based on insights gained during execution.
• Evaluate Innovations and Best Practices: Stay engaged in regional CI forums and assess new technologies to improve safety, quality, and process efficiency.

What You Will Bring:

• Exposure to or interest in lean management systems and continuous improvement methodologies
• Foundational understanding of engineering principles and unit operations, such as basic chemistry, heat and mass balances, mechanics, and physical/chemical separation
• Familiarity with Microsoft Power BI or a willingness to learn data visualization tools
• 0–3 years of experience in a manufacturing, process improvement, or engineering support role
• Interest in digital process improvement tools such as OEE systems or electronic documentation

Who You Are:

• A collaborative team player with a growth mindset and a desire to learn
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field
• Experience in or coursework in Process/Industrial Engineering
• Familiar with Lean Manufacturing concepts

Why Join Ingredion?   

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy: 

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success 

• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being 

• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement 

• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally 

• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from haras