Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly analytical and solutions-driven Process Engineer to join our Deerfield area manufacturing facility. In this role, you will be the technical bridge between R&D, Quality, and Production. Your primary focus will be scaling up new formulations, optimizing current production runs, and troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges on the floor.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background in the food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries, with a distinct preference for professionals who have direct experience in gummy production . If you excel at turning data into actionable process improvements and reducing manufacturing waste, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: Analyze and improve existing manufacturing processes for gummy production (including cooking, depositing, curing, and sanding) to increase yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize scrap.
• Scale-Up & Commercialization: Partner closely with the R&D team to transition new gummy formulations from bench-top and pilot scale to full commercial production.
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into process deviations (e.g., texture inconsistencies, setting failures, weight variations) using structured problem-solving methodologies to implement permanent corrective actions.
• SOPs & Documentation: Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and process flow diagrams to ensure consistency and compliance across all shifts.
• Equipment Integration: Collaborate with the Maintenance and Engineering teams to specify, install, and qualify new processing and packaging equipment.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize Lean Six Sigma principles to identify bottlenecks, conduct time studies, and execute cost-saving initiatives across the production floor.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Industry Experience: 2 + years of hands-on process engineering experience within a continuous manufacturing environment (food, dietary supplements, or pharmaceuticals).
• Gummy Expertise: Direct experience with gummy manufacturing processes (pectin, gelatin, starchless depositing systems, etc.) is highly preferred .
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and reading technical schematics (P&ID).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of cGMP, FDA compliance, and food safety standards.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical staff, including machine operators and senior leadership.

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent training.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $100,000 / year.
• Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunity to drive technical innovation in a fast-growing, highly specialized manufacturing sector.