Process Engineer I (Research & Development) (Finance)

The Process Engineer I role is responsible for evaluating and improving existing production processes and workflows to improve yields and reduce manufacturing costs. Projects supported and overall scope is more limited than for the Process Engineer II, with less autonomy. Assists in the development of new processes in collaboration with their supervisor, and the Product Development and Innovation teams, to bring new products to market. Assists in troubleshooting production problem areas. Collects data a nd information in order to provide a summary of processing opportunities back to their supervisor.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a salary exempt position.

Development of Processes. Participates and assists in the evaluation and optimization of existing processes with overall project monitoring by supervisor or project leader. Their manager will determine the relative priority of projects and direct near-term project needs. Assists in the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new processes to minimize cost and maximize simplicity and flexibility in accordance with committed time and budget constraints. Assists in the implementation of installation and validation of equip ment . Develops competencies in food technology and new equipment offerings by attending technical meetings to identify new opportunities with respect to product/process.

Validation of Process Improvement. Participates and assists in the evaluation and optimization of product performance such as product consistency as plant efficiencies. This may involve manufacturing processes such as grinding, blending, emulsifying, vacuumizing, and filling as well as order/rate of addition and temperature of raw materials and finished products. Participates in the development of process flow diagrams to outline current and new processes. Develops competencies in various plant throughput rate calculations as well as manufacturing limitations and equipment capabilities .

Validate Equipment. Participates and assists in the testing, calibration and validation of new equipment to optimize processing. Participates in the completion of equipment validation studies through the operational qualification (IQ/OQ) and long-term validation (PQ) to qualify new equipment. Participates and assists in the evaluation of online equipment which allows for early detection of process errors/product non-quality.

Participates and assists in pilot plant testing, both internally or at supplier facilities to verify new process capability .

Support Operations and Supply Chain. Support supply chain initiatives as directed by the supervisor and participate in problem solving of plant technical issues. Collaborates in 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. Assists in the development of plant SOP's and troubleshooting guidelines. Utilizes SPC and SCADA platforms for process evaluation and optimization . Identifies , validates and documents personal cost savings requirements.

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 te am 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 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: 0-2 years related industry experience required .

Skills: 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. Should have a working knowledge of process mapping . Must have leadership qualities and flexibility with respect to job requiremen ts. Knowledge of specific requirements in the US is essential to successful job performance. Ability to work as part of a team and work effectively with a geographically dispersed group.

Industry Experience: Preference for related industry experience or internships.

Minimum Education : Bachelor's degree in Chemical , Biological, or Mechanical Engineering.

Preferred Education: Master's degree in Chemical , Biological, or Mechanical Engineering.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.

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