Sr Engineer, Acquired Sugar Portfolio

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Work Location:

Chicago

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for effective communication, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross‑functional initiatives.

The Senior Engineer, Acquired Sugar Portfolio is a pivotal technical role that drives the future of Ferrara’s global sugar brands. You’ll lead end‑to‑end process development work—translating breakthrough product ideas into scalable, efficient, and reliable manufacturing processes that bring new innovations to life across multiple international markets.

In this role, you’ll be hands‑on in the pilot plant and on the factory floor, shaping how products move from concept to commercial reality. You’ll take ownership of a diverse and meaningful project portfolio—spanning renovation and innovation initiatives, quality improvements, new technology exploration, network moves, and margin‑enhancing process optimizations. Your work will directly influence how Ferrara scales breakthrough ideas, improves manufacturing performance, and ensures our products deliver the taste, texture, and quality consumers love.

You will report to the Director, R&D – Acquired Sugar Portfolio, and join a collaborative, entrepreneurial team that values curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity that directly influences global expansion and the long‑term success of Ferrara’s sugar portfolio.

This position is based at our headquarters at the Old Post Office and will require a minimum of 4 days in the office per week.

• Leads process design and solution for various product development projects, within sugar confectionery, and ingredient applications across a diverse portfolio of sugar processing technologies.
• Develops process solutions for new recipes to implement into existing manufacturing processes within global markets and has a demonstrated ability to work across different cultures and ways of working.
• Supports the development of product design of experiments on all types of product platforms.
• Collaborates within R&D experts, and across functions of Engineering and Manufacturing staff in project execution, technology transfer, and problem solving.
• Observes, records, and evaluates experimental process data.
• Prepares project reports with demonstrated skills in design of experiment, analysis and conclusions.
• Creates process design solutions in preparation for any capital designs and requests.
• Brings new ideas on process solutions across the product range for different regions.
• Travels, both domestically and internationally (up to 25‑40% of job).
• Role requires on‑site presence up to 5 days a week most weeks.
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated ability to flex workstyle in different cultures, ways of working, and learning environments
• Ability to apply scientific knowledge to confectionery technology (including mogul depositing technology).
• Experience preparing process design documentation and solution for use in CAPEX requests
• Ability to lead both product and process design trials and solutions
• Comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant, and plant equipment
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Drive for Results (Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully)
• Deals with Ambiguity (Can effectively and comfortably cope with change and shifting of gears)
• Attention to Detail
• Works well with others and individually
• Time management (Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently)

• BS, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field, required.
• 5‑10 years’ experience in food industry or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (bilingual if possible: Spanish preferred)
• Strong mathematical skills
• Strong computer skills – including Microsoft Office (Word), Spreadsheets, and SAP

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-QR

The salary range for this role is $81,225 - $113,500 annually.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Finance and Sales