Junior Process Engineer - Winona, Minnesota

Mission Hires is seeking a Junior Process Engineer on behalf of an international nutrition and food additive manufacturer. This role supports an expanding, clean, food-grade site featuring distillation, spray drying, and bulk packaging operations. You will drive process optimization, provide day-to-day plant support, execute capital projects from design through installation, and contribute to controls and automation efforts. Ideal for entry-level engineers ready to join a strong engineering program or experienced early-career engineers eager to lead newly created work streams within a stable, growth-focused organization with nationwide and global career paths.

• Optimize production processes across distillation, spray drying, and bulk packaging to improve throughput, yield, quality, and cost
• Provide day-to-day process and operations support to resolve issues, improve reliability, and ensure consistent, food-grade compliance
• Plan and execute capital projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and handover
• Develop process design documentation (P&IDs, mass/energy balances, equipment specifications) and support procurement and contractor coordination
• Contribute to controls and automation initiatives; collaborate on PLC/DCS updates, troubleshooting, and recipe control improvements
• Support trials, validations, and technology development for new and upgraded unit operations
• Partner with EHS and Quality to maintain compliance and implement safe, cGMP-aligned practices
• Analyze process data to identify root causes and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Interface cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, quality, and corporate engineering
• Document changes via MOC and maintain accurate engineering records

• BS in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment (co-op/internship experience considered for new graduates)
• Priority consideration for experience in Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, or Power Generation
• Familiarity with unit operations such as distillation and drying; exposure to spray drying is a plus
• Experience or strong interest in controls systems (PLC/DCS/HMI) and process automation
• Ability to manage capital projects from design through installation and startup
• Proficiency in process data analysis and problem solving (root cause, continuous improvement)
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness to work on-site at a clean, food-grade manufacturing facility
• Authorized to work in the United States

• Full Beneifts = Yes
• Relocation Expenses = Yes