Process Engineer

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®.  ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

The Process Engineer provides engineering services for sugar processing for the refinery , with a focus on improving current operations.  This is done by advancing process efficiency through the development and execution of sustainable process improvements in an older refinery. This position requires a hands-on engineering approach, a strong field presence, and the ability to support daily operations while improving melt throughput, reliability, recovery, and sucrose loss performance. 

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for developing methods to improve existing processes through automation, process development, and the application of new technologies. 

• Works with Control Engineers to optimize process controls and fine-tune control points to achieve improved efficiency, stability, and product quality. 

• Assists Process Superintendents and Supervisors with troubleshooting process issues and implementing practical, sustainable solutions. 

• Provides hands-on technical support in the field and routinely engages operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to identify and implement process improvements. 

• Identifies and implements opportunities to increase melt throughput, improve recovery, and reduce sucrose losses throughout the refinery process. 

• Uses operating data, laboratory results, field observations, and process trends to identify root causes and support data-based decisions. 

• Develops, trains, coaches, and mentors operators and newer employees to strengthen process knowledge, troubleshooting capability, and operational consistency. 

• Works collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Reliability, and Engineering teams to drive sustainable improvements and operational excellence. 

• Manages process projects and tasks as assigned by the Process Managers, including scope development, coordination, execution, and follow-through. 

• Performs laboratory testing and process trials to support troubleshooting, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Provides operational support outside normal business hours during critical startups, shutdowns, process interruptions, and other high-priority operating situations. 

• Works within all safety, environmental, food safety, and food security procedures. 

WORK EXPERIENCES

• Five years of Chemical or Process Engineering experience desired; experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, refining, chemical processing, or a continuous-process environment is preferred. 

• Previous experience developing or assisting in the development of new processes, operating procedures, and sustainable process improvements. 

• Demonstrated success identifying and implementing improvements in throughput, reliability, recovery, quality, energy use, or cost performance. 

• Prior involvement in supporting multiple capital projects and coordinating work across operations, maintenance, and engineering functions. 

• Experience training, coaching, or mentoring operations personnel is highly desirable. 

• Experience supervising employees or leading projects involving employees in a unionized work environment is a plus. 

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• B.S. degree (or higher) in Engineering, with Chemical Engineering preferred, or a related engineering field from an accredited college or university. 

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

Strong engineering fundamentals with proven abilities and practical experience in the following areas: 

• Process optimization and continuous improvement 

• Data-based decision-making using information from multiple sources 

• Lean Six Sigma methods for triggered events and proactive improvements 

• Unit operations, process fundamentals, and continuous improvement 

• Process measurement, lab analysis, automation, and control systems 

• Maintenance techniques and systems that support reliable operation 

• Troubleshooting equipment, controls, and process performance 

• Managing multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines in a fast based environment

• Organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through on agreed actions 

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio; Wonderware and SAP experience are advantageous 

• Food manufacturing requirements, GMPs, HACCP, SQF, safety standards, and applicable regulations 

• Ability to communicate effectively and build productive working relationships across all levels of the organization 

• Ability to balance technical analysis with practical field execution 

• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to challenge existing practices constructively to improve operational performance 

• Self-directed work habits with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and accountability during operational upsets 

• Ability to learn the processes associated with refining and processing sugar cane 

• Willingness to maintain a boots-on-the-ground presence to maximize the reliability and performance of an aging facility 

• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours or various shifts, including nights and weekends when needed, to support melt delivery and high-pressure operating scenarios 

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.