Process Engineer
Location: US, IA, Cedar Rapids
Employment type: Full-time
Required experience: Mid-Senior level
Required education: Bachelor's Degree
Function: Manufacturing
Company profile: We just built the factory of our dreams.The Bio Springer plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa opened in 2010. This state-of-the-art, automated facility is located next door to the Lesaffre Red Star plant, which supplies our raw material. This close proximity allows us to eliminate truck deliveries and reduce our carbon footprint, just part of our commitment to sustainability.Because the plant is also located in the heart of Iowa’s famed cornfields, we take advantage of the natural resources the location provides, and have developed a technique to grow our yeast on corn. The advantage of using corn is its exceptionally consistent color and flavor, which helps produce predictably high-quality yeast products.
Description: SUMMARYThe primary purpose of this position is to lead process optimization studies and continuous improvement projects in the processes of producing, drying and packaging of yeast extract, while keeping a consistent product quality, which meets our customers’ needs. As a technical reference for the plant, the process engineer is a source of proposals for our industrial development. This position will receive work direction or assignments from the Plant Manager.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESOther duties may be assigned depending upon operational needs.Lead the Industrial Continuous Improvement process under the supervision of the Plant Manager: analyze process efficiency (cost, productivity), establish and follow up on action plan.Participate in or lead specific studies directed at new processes/products development.Run pilot scale equipment at the Pilot facility when required. Responsible for maintenance of the pilot equipment.Coordinate the industrial test activity on site: organization, supervision and reporting.Lead or participate in cross functional and/or Lesaffre Group project teams.Participate in the definition of the industrial Key Performance Indicators.Assist Production and Quality department in troubleshooting process issues as required.Participate in the definition of the main engineering projects in coordination with the Lesaffre Group’s engineering teams (scope, study).Act as the technical expert/reference for all the plant processes. Create opportunities to further develop/acquire process knowledge at the plant or leveraging the other plants of the Group.Assist the Production Superintendent in the definition and realization of process trainings.Participate to temporary missions in the USA or abroad for technical assistance and /or training purposes.
Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Three to five years of experience in Process and Drying food applications preferred.Strong math, chemistry and microbiology knowledge required.Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.  Ability to apply statistical concepts  such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factors.Ability to analyze all phases of problems, issues and potential consequences prior to define and implement action plans.Ability to self-prioritize and self-organize tasks.Strong communication, “customer” service orientation and influencing skills are required in relationships with coworkers, management, and other departments within the company.Strong mechanical aptitude and trouble-shooting skills required.Ability to write detailed technical reports; computer proficiency in MS Office tools required.Additional safety and/or training experience is a plus.EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCEA Master degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Manufacturing required.Knowledge and experience of the lean manufacturing (5S, SMED, OOE…): management and/or participation in continuous improvement project(s) preferred.3 to 5 years of experience in Food, Biotechnology or Pharma industry preferred.LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.Fluent in French is a plus.MATHEMATICAL SKILLSAbility to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.REASONING ABILITYAbility to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONSAbility to be CPR/First Aid certified required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENT  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to dry and dusty and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold or extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Food Quality, Safety and Legality CommitmentBio Springer North America Corporation (BSNAC) and its employees will ensure that all products meet quality, food safety and legality requirements in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and that food safety will never be compromised. BSNAC will utilize BRC Standards as our way of operation every day.  I understand that as an employee of BSNAC, this is part of my day to day responsibilities, in addition to the job description of my position.
Benefits: Effective first day of employment: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Paid Vacation, Holiday and Sick time.  401K with Company Match and Discretionary Contribution. This position is full time, exempt position and bonus eligible. 
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