Senior Process Engineer

Company: Simmons Foods
Location: Emporia
Posted on: August 2, 2022

Job Description:

Responsible for commissioning new plant equipment. Vendor management.
Essential Position Responsibilities Development of Processes. Participates in the evaluation and optimization of existing processes with overall project monitoring as the project manager. Work closely with the technical staff of equipment suppliers and customers. Develop, scale-up, and commercialize new processes to minimize cost and maximize simplicity and flexibility in accordance with committed time and budget constraints. Screen alternative equipment suppliers and summarize capabilities and recommend suitable candidates based on information. Responsible for implementation of new process installation and final validation of equipment. Maintain competence in food technology and new equipment offerings by attending technical meetings to identify new opportunities with respect to product/process.
Validation of Process Improvement. Evaluate existing processes and optimize to maximize product performance such as palatability, product appearance and product consistency as well as plant efficiency. This may involve grinding, mixing, emulsifying, vacuumizing, and filling as well as order/rate of addition and temperature of raw materials and finished products. It may also involve processes during product changeovers. Develop and implement testing plans to identify critical quality points (process control points) for various product types. Harmonize processing where possible to improve plant efficiency and minimize potential errors. Develop process flow diagrams to outline current and new processes. Evaluate various throughput rates and identify production limitations and equipment capability.
Validate Equipment. Participate in calibration of new equipment with respect to metering rates to optimize processing. Screen alternate suppliers of manufacturing and product evaluation equipment. Summarize strengths and weaknesses of the various options and make recommendations. Complete equipment validation studies through the operational qualification (IQ/OQ) and long-term validation (PQ) to qualify new equipment. Evaluates online equipment which allows for early detection of process errors/product non-quality. Conduct pilot plant tests internally or at supplier facilities to verify new process capability.
Support Operations and Supply Chain. Support supply chain initiatives and problem solving of plant technical issues. Support supply chain initiatives including formula transfer among plants, evaluation of new suppliers of raw materials, new and alternative packaging, thermal process impact, and evaluation of processing parameters. Responsible for process evaluation testing. Develop plant SOP's and/or revise troubleshooting guides for the plants.
Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.
Physical Activities: Must be able to work on a computer for an extensive amount of time. Must be able to stand or walk for many hours in any of our production facilities. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, and Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment. Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites or customer visits, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 25% travel.
Technical Experience: 5+ years related industry experience or have the Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification. Must have excellent computer skills with respect to the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with AutoCAD is a plus. Strong data entry skills are required. Intermediate to advanced level skills in Excel and PowerPoint as well as experience preparing documents for presentation. Experience in commercial manufacturing and process development and in the food industry is desirable. Must have a working knowledge of process mapping. Must have leadership qualities and flexibility with respect to job requirements. Knowledge of specific requirements in the US is essential to successful job performance.
Industry Experience: Preference for related industry experience.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
Preferred Education: N/A
This is a Salary Exempt position.

Keywords: Simmons Foods, Topeka , Senior Process Engineer, Engineering , Emporia, Kansas