Process Engineer - Essentia

Process Engineer - Essentia page is loaded## Process Engineer - Essentialocations:
Ankeny, Iowatime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition :
R3701

The
** Process Engineer
** will support the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of production processes within a food and beverage manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on animal protein processing (e.g., beef, pork, poultry, collagen, gelatin, stocks, broths, protein isolates). This role works cross‑functionally with operations, quality, maintenance, R&D, and corporate engineering to increase throughput, reduce waste, improve product quality, reduce energy usage, and ensure regulatory compliance.
*
* JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

** Education and Experience

Required:

* Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
* 2-5 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, ideally within animal proteins, rendering, meat processing, collagen/gelatin extraction, broth/stock production, or protein concentrates.
* Strong understanding of unit operations: thermal processing, evaporation, drying, filtration, separation, pumping, CIP and sanitation.
* Working knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations and food safety systems.
* Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, or similar)

Preferred Experience:

* Experience with enzymatic processes, membrane filtration (UF/RO/NF), or spray drying.
* Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
* Experience working in high-volume protein processing environments.
* Familiarity with AutoCAD, Aspen, or other process modeling tools.
* Strong project management experience.
*
* JOB DUTIES:

** Process Design and Optimization
* Analyze, develop, and optimize unit operations such as cooking, enzymatic hydrolysis, separation, evaporation, drying, filtration, membrane processing, and thermal treatment.
* Conduct time, yield, and mass‑balance studies to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions.
* Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
* Support capacity expansion projects by providing process calculations, equipment specifications, and line balancing.
* Create, edit, and update Process Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) in alignment with engineering and operational requirements.
* Identify and implement process improvements that reduce energy consumption, improve thermal efficiency, and lower utility costs.

Technical Leadership
* Provide input and expertise for animal protein processing technologies, including raw material handling, thermal processing, sanitary design, and by‑product utilization.
* Collaborate with R&D to scale new products—from bench to pilot to full commercial scale.
* Troubleshoot process deviations and performance bottlenecks.

Data Performance and Analysis
* Utilize statistical tools to track process KPIs such as yields, moisture, solids content, viscosity, and other key process metrics.
* Interpret manufacturing data to make recommendations for efficiency improvement or quality enhancement.
* Support implementation and refinement of MES/SCADA systems for process monitoring.

Quality, Food, and Safety Compliance
* Ensure all processes comply with HACCP, USDA, FDA, and SQF/BRC requirements.
* Maintain documentation including process flow diagrams (PFDs), SOPs, and control plans.
* Work with QA to resolve customer complaints, deviations, and audit findings.

Project and Equipment Support
* Assist with equipment evaluation, FAT/SAT testing, commissioning, and startup.
* Manage small‑to‑medium capital projects, including scope, budget, timeline, and contractor coordination.
*
* JOB REQUIREMENTS:

*** Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without authority.
* Excellent communication—both technical and operational.
* Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety and quality.
* Hands‑on, plant‑floor‑focused approach.
* Ability to travel and work at company facilities for extended hours as needed.
* Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
** Who we are
** Driven to fulfill customer needs, we help improve food…