Process Improvement Engineer at Land O'Lakes, Inc. in Tulare, California

Job Description:

Join boundless thinkers from all walks of life working together to feed the world. Take pride in working with powerful brands, including Purina Animal Nutrition, Nutra Blend, WinField United, Vermont Creamery, KozyShack, and more.

You'll join a global team committed to everything from the seeds that go into the ground, to the technology that improves crop yields and sustainability, to the nutrition that animals need, to marketing the final product.

Process Improvement Engineer

Process (Improvement) Engineer is responsible for supporting operations with strategic objectives through a focus on the optimum, most cost-effective methods of manufacturing dairy products to enhance profitability, market position, and growth. This position will provide specific concentration on reducing operating costs, process capacity constraints, product losses, and product quality variation. This role will focus on Butter and Milk Powder Manufacturing processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES - Skills

• Leads and supports continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as Lean Six Sigma and other process improvement techniques.
  
  


• Support data analysis, root cause analysis, and bucket root causes to prioritize areas for improvement.
  
  


• Support implementation of projects, plant trials and capital projects for process improvements and de-bottlenecking, equipment replacements and upgrades.
  
  


• Provides direction for systems improvements and changes to operational requirement. Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission; specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning.
  
  


• Gathers and analyzes technical and cost data to determine feasibility of new processing and technology proposals to meet function and performance specifications.
  
  


• Recommends and implements technology improvements or modifications ranging from sequence of operations, equipment utilization, and new equipment applications that support Tulare site operations.
  
  


• Ensures GMP, safety and quality for all proposed processing modifications.
  
  


• Provides operations support on an as requested basis.
  
  


• Ensures that all process developments meet government regulations and internal guidelines.
  
  


• Participates in department and cross-functional planning sessions and updates across the organization as needed.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food Science or Bioengineering or related discipline.
  
  


• 3+ years' experience in a process engineering role with strong experience in dairy/food processing or chemical manufacturing. Dairy Products experience relating to milk components, uses, and yield preferred.
  
  


• Conducts process optimization utilizing continuous improvement tools (Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma) that improve cost, output, yields, uptime and quality.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
  
  


• Experience conducting and managing applied technology projects.
  
  


• Experience in applying fundamental engineering principles such as heat/mass transfer thermodynamics, mass balances, and fluid dynamics.
  
  


• Must be able to work in a changing environment where a high degree of teamwork and collaboration are required.
  
  


• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of MS Office software required- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  
  


• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools and lean methods including Reliability Excellence is preferred. Knowledge with the following methodologies and practices: FMEA, Kaizen, Lean tools, 5S, Visual Factory Aids, SMED concepts, VSM, VOC and Poke Yoke highly desired
  
  


• Lean Six Sigma Certification / Black Belt designation is highly preferred.
  
  


• Leads or directs others on a project or program basis and plays a significant role as a mentor to others,
  
  


• In depth knowledge of food chemistry, analytical sampling and testing, and product formulations strongly desired.
  
  


• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple product and technical service projects to meet business objectives.
  
  

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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

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 frequently exposed to wet and humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Hours: Tulare plant is a 24/7 operations. Off Shift hours may be required as needed.

Land O'Lakes, Inc offers a competitive salary and bonus potential. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package as well as many other companies sponsored benefits. This position is based inTulare, CA, relocation benefits are provided.

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 ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.

Land O'Lakes endeavors to make Landolakesinc.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.