Sr. 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.

The role is on-site at our Indianapolis Manufacturing Plant, not a remote opportunity.

Scope:

The Senior 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:

Production Support

• 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 and improvement of SOPs (standard operating procedures) for all processes. Implement improved SOPs for product quality, reduced variation, rate and yield performance.
• Assist in the training/certification of manufacturing personnel for the operation of new or modified processing lines.
• Assist in expansion of current processes to meet customer demand or improvement initiatives.
• Assist quality personnel with field follow-up as needed to address performance issues to customer applications. Ensure products are meeting fit for use specifications.
• An understanding of mechanical equipment used in a manufacturing environment (Pumps, motors, valves, etc.).
• Supervise technicians, technologists, analysts, administrative staff, or other engineers as required.
• Understand applications of aseptic manufacturing and utilities (CIP, SIP, steam barriers, maintenance of sterility, etc.).
• Technical expert/support for installation and maintenance of process equipment and equipment improvements.

Process Improvement

• Develop and lead technicians to reduce waste, improve process capability, process reliability, increase OEE (overall equipment effectiveness), improve quality and manage capacity as required.
• Define process and process equipment specifications, processing methods and procedures.
• Research, plan, and perform raw material trials to support quality and/or productivity improvements to the products.
• 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.
• Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
• Plan workflow, equipment placement, and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency and ergonomics.
• Evaluate quality assurance processes and make recommendations for improvements in quality assurance.
• Analyze production processes, schedules, methods, costs, and other data; then provide management with reports containing the data and statistics to enable management to better understand future requirements needed for the manufacturing process.
• Improve, modify, and upgrade processes to reduce costs and enhance quality to meet customer satisfaction. Identify methods to reduce variation in the processes.

Operational Alignment

• Maintain effective communication with all persons involved with or affected by assigned responsibilities.
• Conducts food safety and defense self-inspections and reports on deficiencies.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and provide corrective and preventative actions (CAPA)
• Ensure that operating procedures comply with all company and regulatory agency requirements for products, personnel, equipment, environment, and property. Provide technical support as needed for plant environmental programs.
• Ensure a safe working environment by following safety rules and helping improve the safety culture.
• Assist in creating/updating P&IDs, layout drawings, schematics
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Engineering required; Industrial, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• 5-10 years of manufacturing experience.
• Project management experience required
• Experience managing people preferred.
• Experience in a food grade environment (FDA, GMP’s, HACCP) with high-speed packaging equipment required.

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