Plant Process Engineer - Jack Link's Protein Snacks

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As a process engineer, you will analyze and optimize manufacturing and industrial processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs and lead process capital investments.  This includes troubleshooting, process optimization, process analysis, process documentation, quality control, project management, process automation and quality assurance. You will execute capital projects from feasibility, design and engineering, installation, commissioning and startup.  You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams, implement process improvement initiatives and contribute to the overall success of our organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)   

• Support Plant Operations 
  • Developing, optimizing and improving manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, quality and safety.
  • Identifying and implementing process improvements to reduce cost, minimize waste and increase efficiency.
  • Monitoring and analyzing process data, identifying trends and proposing solutions for process improvements.
  • Conduct detailed analysis and evaluation of existing manufacturing processes, identifying areas for improvement and recommending appropriate solutions.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise to resolve equipment and process-related issues to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Design and implement process optimization strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle time and improve product quality.
  • Identify and implement process control measures, including statistical process control (SPC) techniques, to ensure consistent quality and reduce process variation.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams to drive equipment failure root cause analysis, corrective actions and preventive measures.
  • Provide training and guidance to production teams on new processes, procedures and equipment to ensure successful implementation and operation.

• Technical Services and Support                                                                                                   
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new processes, technologies and equipment.
  • Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production and quality assurance teams to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
  • Monitor and analyze process performance metrics, such as cycle time, yield and scrap rate and develop strategies to meet or exceed targets.
  • Stay current with the latest advancements in process engineering technologies, methodologies and best practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

• Execute and Support Capital Projects                                                                                                      
  • Execute process focused capital projects from feasibility analysis, appropriation request, design and engineering, installation, commissioning and startup.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory requirements in all process engineering and capital project activities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical or similar).
• 3+ years of experience as a process engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization techniques, lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex process issues.
• Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Food manufacturing experience, with meat processing a plus.
• PMP certification.
• Master’s degree in process engineering or a related field.
• Professional certification in process engineering or related areas.
• Experience with process automation and control systems.
• Knowledge of automation and control systems, such as SCADA and PLC.
• Knowledge of process simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems, such as ISO standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member 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 Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a office / plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products, and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.