Process Engineer

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low-calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us! This role is 100% onsite, at the manufacturing plant in Indianapolis, IN.

Scope:

The Process Engineer – provides technical support for Manufacturing and Process systems that drive improvement in overall equipment effectiveness and operational excellence. Partners closely with Quality and Engineering to help with efficiencies and integration of new products and processes. Specify, design, and execute a portfolio of projects focused on Capacity, Process and Cost Improvements requiring cross-functional partnering across multiple disciplines within the organization. Identify, analyze and solve manufacturing problems by recommending, evaluating and executing alternative cost-effective solutions that cover a variety of situations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Process engineer will work closely with the industrial engineer supervisor and will execute the improvements to the lines and be responsible for the packaging area as well.
• Analyze production processes, schedules, methods and other data and then provide management with reports containing the data and statistics to enable management to better understand future requirements needed for the manufacturing process.
• Develop and lead Technicians to reduce waste, improve process capability, process reliability, increase OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), improve quality and manage capacity as required.
• Improve, modify and upgrade processes to reduce costs and enhance quality to meet customer satisfaction. Identify methods to reduce variation in the processes.
• Evaluate quality control processes and make recommendations for improvements in quality control.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are in compliance with all government laws and regulations.
• Review and calculate labor, material and other production costs along with reviewing schedules and future production requirements to assist management in decision making.
• Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair services and make sure that manufacturer’s procedures and instructions are followed in order to keep production equipment operational.
• Assist in development of Standard Operating Procedures for all processes. Ensure and document SOP’s compliance. Implement improved SOP’s for product quality, reduced variation, rate and yield performance.
• Define process and process equipment specifications, processing methods and procedures. Review/improve SOP, in-process control methods, and in-process and finished goods specifications.
• Assist in expansion of current processes to meet customer demand or improvement initiatives.
• Provide input with respect to capacity necessary to meet future production demands.
• Coordinate the efforts of technicians in the development and commercialization of new or improved products and processes.
• Assist quality personnel with field follow-up as needed to address performance issues to customer applications. Ensure products are meeting fit for use specifications.
• Work to improve specification of incoming raw materials. Communicate with suppliers concerning material-related processing and quality problems.
• Research, plan, and perform raw material trials to support quality and/or productivity improvements to the products.
• Maintain effective communication with all people involved with or affected by assigned responsibilities.
• Ensure that operating procedures comply with all company and regulatory agency requirements for safety or personnel, equipment, environment, and property. Provide technical support as needed for plant environmental programs.
• Assist in the training/certification of manufacturing personnel for the operation of new or modified processing lines. Participate in solving problems with existing processes.
• Conducts food safety and defense self-inspections and reports on deficiencies.
• Understand applications in aseptic manufacturing, Utilities and GMP Utilities (CIP & SIP, etc.).
• An understanding of mechanical equipment used in a manufacturing environment (Pumps, motors, etc.).
• Ensure a safe working environment by following safety rules and helping improve the safety culture.
• Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve products or reduce costs using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods, quality control standards, or product design, materials and parts.
• Determine root causes of failures using statistical methods and recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods.
• Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing.
• Incorporate new methods and processes to improve existing operations.
• Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes.
• Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
• Train production personnel in new or existing methods.
• Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Engineering required Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• 2-3 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 2 years of Aseptic experience.
• Experience projects preferred.
• Experience in a food grade environment (FDA, GMP’s, HACCP) with high-speed packaging equipment preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds