Project Engineer - Operations

About Us

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

Overview

Directly responsible for identifying, designing, and delivering on opportunities that can grow business profit, reduce cost, and create best practice operations for industrial manufacturing.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• 4-year degree (or higher) in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or Biosystems Engineering or equivalent technical expertise or work experience is required.
• Experience in manufacturing and/or construction environment required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Able to read and interpret technical documents and drawings.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with related parties for identifying technical points to investigate and/or for clarifying technical requirements.
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues to drive solution generation.
• Understand theory and engineering concepts behind the manufacturing process and facility.
• Ability to analyze the performance and capacity of existing facilities and present options for improvement.
• Able to learn troubleshooting of mechanical & process problems.
• Ability to transfer technical knowledge to real life applications.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook.
• Must participate in a team-oriented work group and be self-motivated.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical/dry blending manufacturing environment working both in office & plant settings. May perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support of the ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting or standing, repetitive use of hands and arms, and eye/hand coordination for 6 hours a day
• Walking required, usually < 1-2 hours a day.

• Lifting, up to 50 lbs., on occasion.
• Occasional bending, reaching overhead, climbing ladders or stairs, crouching, balancing, pushing, or pulling.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders.
• Must be willing to work overtime and be called in during off time in emergency situations.
• Ability to wear respirators according to respiratory protection program.

Responsibilities

• Safety, Environmental, & Quality Compliance
  • Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures
  • Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards
  • Complete/assist with audits as required and follow-up on any findings until corrected
  • Turn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possible
  • Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and policies
• Process Stability and Optimization
  • Helps maintain plant design, engineering, instrumentation, electrical systems, construction, and other activities within the standards of specification.
  • Utilizes engineering calculations for process analysis and improvement of basic equipment design.
  • Provides engineering activities to support plant performance to achieve production goals, maintain quality systems, ensure safety of team members, and protection of the environment.
  • Improves plant-wide efficiency by supporting technology advancement, equipment reliability, and cost reduction improvements.
  • Establish and maintain a culture with SEQ through engineered controls/automation.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure and application issues.
  • Participate in the creation and implementation of operational strategies and procedures pertaining to Production, Maintenance, SER, and Quality systems.

• Continuous Improvement & Collaboration 

• Continually strive for the next step in engineering and operational excellence
• Supports safety by following regulations, company policies, making recommendations for improvement, and making on the spot corrections.
• Actively engages other departments including Process Technicians in the collaboration (Production, Maintenance, SER, Quality, 3rd Parties, Utilities, DCS, CI, etc.) to determine requirements to effectively complete goals and objectives.
• Must participate in a team-oriented work group and be self-motivated.
• Participates in the preparation of documentation needed for project tracking & completion.
• Must be willing to work overtime and be called in during off time in emergency situations.
• Maintains all ISO standards as required.

Salary Range

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.