Senior Food Processing Engineer

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

Job Description

The Senior Food Processing Engineer is a dynamic role within a collaborative team, leading processing initiatives for Meal Solutions (Sauces) and Flavor Enhancers products across different initiatives from innovation, continuity, and implementation of new lines. This person will have the opportunity to drive experimental design to testing and scale-up production. This position partners with internal and external stakeholders to optimize processes, enhance equipment efficiency, and support business continuity applications. Additionally, the role involves consulting with various plant locations to address processing challenges and leverage industry expertise for proactive solutions

Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the development of processes/technologies for Meals Solutions and Flavor Enhancers projects from concept to commercialization to meet R&D and business goals.
• Lead moderately complex engineering projects/experiments supporting business continuity and innovation.
• Troubleshoot and resolves complex technical challenges to improve process performance
• Support engineering team on Capital Request and engineering projects when directly related to R&D initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive process documentation, including flow diagrams, operating procedures, and validation protocols.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Operations to drive trials, process optimization, innovation and cost reduction initiatives.
  
  

Education And Experience

• B.S./ M.S degree either in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Food/Agricultural/Biological Engineering with food industry experience and track record of successful engineering project delivery.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in food processing including manufacturing process, equipment and materials, process engineering & modeling, manufacturing, or continuous improvement. Formula development experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, planning skills to identify creative solutions to problems.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and on high performing teams
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, listening, and influencing skills
• Fundamental knowledge of project management
• Expertise in Acidified, LACF, thermal processing, fermentation or acetation processing is a plus
• Willingness to travel ~40% of the time.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations for food safety, quality, and sustainability.
  
  

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $142,700 to $195,300. Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four-percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.