Process Engineer (R&D/Food)

Company: Conagra Brands
Location: Carol Stream
Posted on: July 28, 2022

Job Description:

We are looking for an R&D Process Engineer in Chicago, IL to support our Snacks team!Located in the heart of downtown Chicago along the Chicago River, our Center for Food Design is a unique and exciting space filled with state of the art facilities and a team of enthusiastic foodies that help bring food product insights and trends to life.As the R&D Process Engineer, reporting to the Senior Process Engineer, you will work closely with Food Scientists and Development Teams by supporting and leading multiple projects at our on-site pilot plant or by traveling to our off-site plants to lead and support plant trials and plant start-ups. You will work to transition projects from bench to Supply Chain. You will focus on developing the requirements for critical transformations, developing performance based specifications, and providing the widest possible solution space. Your work will be based on consumer benefits and designed for profitability, operability, efficiency, and vertical start up.What you'll do in this role:

• Learn and apply the Methodology of Product/Process/Package Development (MOPD).
• Support complex innovation launches, collaborating with product development, quality, and supply chain representatives.
• Communicate cost savings project proposals, develop trial plans to test process variables, and implement projects at manufacturing locations.
• Develop and define manufacturing processes that accommodate specific consumer and marketplace requirements for new products, while meeting process, quality, and cost objectives.
• Define the physical, chemical, and biological transformations that must occur to produce new food products.
• Design and execute bench top, pilot plant and plant experiments / trials, either individually or as a member of a technical team.
• Review and analyze results of experiments and trials to provide process recommendations.
• Help with cost estimates and capital requests for trials and commercial installations.
• Provide technical support in manufacturing facilities as required.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all experimental and design work.
• Leverage internal and external resources to help analyze problems, identify alternative options, perform tests, foresee consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations to support goals.
• Assist in providing technical leadership on projects as required.What you'll need to be successful:
  • BS Chemical, Food, or Biological Engineering required. MS preferred. -
  • Minimum 3 years related experience required.
  • Experience with process technology documentation, including Process Flow Sheets, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, Mass and Energy Balances, Process Control Strategies, and Process Specifications.
  • Experience with meat process technology including mixing and blending, flow control, stuffing/forming, smokehouses, and portioning methods and equipment is preferred.
  • Understanding of Design of Experiment methodologies.
  • Proficient in Microsoft office programs including Word, Excel and Power Point.
  • Effective communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal) and the ability to present to leadership.
  • Familiarity with project management fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership with cross-functional teams (Interpersonal, Team, and Organizational) and decision making skills.
  • Structured problem solving skills (preferred Six Sigma and other problem solving models).
  • Experience working with external work partners, vendors, and suppliers on sensitive/confidential matters.
  • Ability to travel up to 40% of the time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible company representative.Physical Requirements
    • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally; lift up to 25 lbs. regularly.
    • Work extensively in pilot plant and or production plant floor environment.
    • Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended work days to include: - loud noise, heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions, and exposure to allergens.
    • Walking and/or standing for long periods of time.
    • Climbing to various heights via stairs or ladders.
    • Bending and/or crawling; must be able to move safely and freely around machinery.We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. The company will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)! -#LI-MH1#ONSITEOur Benefits:We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
      • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
      • Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
      • Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
      • Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)Our Company:Conagra Brands is one of -North America's -leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that's passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye -, -Marie Callender's -, Banquet -, Healthy Choice -, Slim Jim -, Reddi-wip -, and Vlasic -, and emerging brands, including Angie's - BOOMCHICKAPOP -, Duke's -, Earth Balance -, Gardein -, and Frontera -.We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit -.Conagra Brands -is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. ?

Keywords: Conagra Brands, Carol Stream , Process Engineer (R&D/Food), Engineering , Carol Stream, Illinois