Manufacturing Process Specialist

Manufacturing Process SpecialistSynergy Flavors, Inc. is a leading international supplier of value-added flavors and ingredients to the global bakery, confectionary, beverage, savory and nutrition industry. Our objective is simple, to provide great tasting flavors and ingredients for our customers. To do this, we employ some of the industry's most creative minds. We are headquartered in Wauconda, IL with additional operations in Chicago, IL; Hamilton, OH; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.Position SummaryAs a Manufacturing Process Specialist, you will play a critical role in providing technical expertise and process support for highly automated Extraction processes. Leveraging your in-depth knowledge of advanced blending, steam distillation, membrane filtration, evaporation systems, and other automated production technologies, you will drive innovation, improve process capabilities, and ensure operational excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess Ownership: Demonstrate strong ownership and proactive stewardship of highly automated Extraction processes by driving performance improvements, maintaining reliability, and aligning with organizational goals.Technical Support: Deliver robust technical support for automated production systems by identifying root causes of process deviations, resolving complex production issues, and ensuring compliance with cGMPs and safety regulations.Process Monitoring & Optimization: Utilize advanced data analytics and control systems to monitor critical process parameters, respond to trends, and implement improvements to enhance automation efficiency, process stability, and product quality.Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to identify and implement process improvements, including the integration of new technologies, automation upgrades, and optimization of existing systems.Lean Manufacturing: Drive process efficiency and waste reduction by applying Lean principles and tools, identifying bottlenecks, and enhancing production flow to achieve operational excellence.Root Cause Analysis & CAPA: Conduct detailed investigations of process deviations or equipment performance issues and develop comprehensive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence.Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards, cGMP regulations, and environmental sustainability goals. Support internal and external audits and maintain inspection readiness.Knowledge Transfer & Collaboration: Act as a technical resource, sharing expertise and best practices with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and quality. Facilitate alignment and drive effective collaboration.Safety & Quality Leadership: Model and reinforce a "safety-first, quality-always" mindset, promoting a culture of operational excellence and regulatory compliance.Skills and Requirements· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Process Technology, Food Science, Food Microbiology or a related field required.· A minimum of 1-3 years of experience in automated Extraction processes, including steam distillation, membrane filtration, evaporation, and pilot plant operations.· Proficient understanding of highly automated systems, process control technologies, and operational excellence methodologies in a regulated manufacturing environment.· Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and experience implementing Lean tools to improve efficiency and reduce waste.· In-depth knowledge of cGMPs, OSHA safety standards, and environmental compliance relevant to automated production.· Ability to analyze complex production data, identify trends, and apply systematic problem-solving to drive sustainable improvements.· Proven experience leading complex technical projects, with the ability to influence outcomes and align cross-disciplinary teams toward common objectives.· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across technical and non-technical audiences.· Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across engineering, quality, and production teams.· Willingness to travel as needed to support process rollouts, inspections, or other business requirements.· Must be able to interpret P&IDs· Must be able to create process mapping and create or interpret function block diagrams of processes· Familiarity with common field device types for heat transfer and fluid processingDepartment: OperationsLocation: Hamilton, OhioWork Arrangement: OnsiteReporting To: Plant Manager