Process Engineer- CI

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world's leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside's exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!

We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.

Job Summary:

The Process Engineer is responsible for supporting Operations through data collection, problem solving analysis, and countermeasure implementation to work toward the improvement of operating capability and sustainability while maintaining all applicable safety and quality standards to ultimately drive down cost. This activity includes, but is not limited to, troubleshooting equipment, improving existing data collection methods, and providing detailed analysis of said data to department managers to help drive true process improvement by understanding problems/root cause via the use of data and facts.

Process Engineer is also responsible for working with the Commercialization team and Project Engineers on the planning/execution of capital projects as well as providing feedback during our internal operations quoting process for all new business. The Process Engineer reports to the Plant Manager and oversees process improvements with CI Managers at the assigned location.

Job Duties:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Responsible for leading, developing and optimizing processes in all areas of manufacturing.

Lead the way in process improvements to support cost reductions, improvements to safety, quality and through-put.

Assess processes, take measurements, and interpret data.

Improve existing data collection methods.

Design, run, test and upgrade systems and processes.

Develop best practices, routines and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output.

Work with customers, suppliers and all levels of management staff.

Responsible for managing multiple projects at the same time.

Responsible for maintaining all documentation related to process improvement tools to support the HPS Tool Box.

Ensure the facility implements and maintains process improvements to support the Hearthside Performance System (HPS) in all production areas.

Develop project justifications for capital requests.

Work with Project Engineers on capital project execution and implementation.

Train and support teams involved in the implementation of new processes or commissioning of new equipment.

Assist with equipment troubleshooting on under-performing lines.

Work with maintenance to improve PM program and increase equipment reliability.

Provide informed feedback during budgeting exercises to help guide decision making into the next fiscal year.

Stay up to date on industry trends and standards in food manufacturing unit operations that can impact HFS to proactively identify innovative solutions for existing or potential problems

Work with Quality to help implement and monitor new and existing processes changed or affected by customer requirements across all functions.

May be required to work 2nd shift, 3rd shift or weekends from time to time.

Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at all times.

Comply with all safety, health and environmental regulations as prescribed by law.

Comply with all Company rules, regulations and policies.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies & Knowledge:

Knowledge of:

Hearthside Performance System (HPS), products, and production processes or knowledge of a similar system

Knowledge of process related standards

Knowledge and experience with Excel and Minitab

Skill in:

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong self-confidence.

Strong will to drive change.

Excellent technical skills.

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with autonomy.

Must be accurate, detail-oriented and maintain the utmost confidentiality.

Ability to:

Communicate in English to give and acknowledge instructions/problems.

Physical and mental ability to work in excess of 40 hours per week.

Ability to effectively present information to employees, top management, public groups and/or board of directors.

Ability to understand complex calculations.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to interpret data being presented in any format.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and/or schedule form.

Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary.

Ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks.

Excellent typing, record keeping and, follow-up skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment while making sound decisions.

Must have a strong will to drive change and sustain.

Proficiency in: MS Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint (Minitab is a plus)

Work Environment:

Maintain harmonious working relations with employees from all departments including management of all levels.

Communicate effectively with all employees and management.

Physical Requirements:

Reaching with hands/arms throughout the day.

Ability to use hands and fingers.

Ability to see, hear and talk.

Required to sit approximately 50% of the day.

Ability to stand, walk, climb and/or balance approximately 50% of the day.

Ability to work in light to moderate noise levels.

May be required to walk up to 400 yards to work and break areas.

May climb steps to and from work and break areas.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related field required.

3 (three) to 5 (five) years' experience in Process Improvement (Lean manufacturing) function; preferably in food packaging or similar form of manufacturing.

Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Process Related Standards, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), SQF and 5S preferred.

TPM/Kaizen or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus.

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Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.