What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Expert Engineer position at Ferrara Candy Company, Inc.?
At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.
Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.
In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.
Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-/
Process Expert Engineer
- Lead the specification, development, design, and optimization of manufacturing processes for confectionery products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Provide expert guidance on all aspects of process engineering, including raw material handling, mixing, molding, coating, and extruding.
- Drive process efficiency initiatives that lead to cost savings and sustainable improvements.
- Identify and troubleshoot process-related issues using root cause analysis techniques to minimize downtime and enhance production stability.
- Evaluate new processing equipment and technology solutions, working closely with R&D and suppliers to ensure successful implementation.
- Manage engineering projects from concept through execution, including defining scope, managing budgets, timelines, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Scope and execute workstreams, trials, and process qualifications to validate new equipment and processes in production environments.
- Ensure process solutions integrate seamlessly into manufacturing facilities without negatively impacting production efficiency (e.g., scrap rates, run rates).
- Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), commissioning, and startup of equipment.
- Work closely with R&D, Quality, Packaging, Supply Chain, Operations, and PMO teams to support technical evaluations, process design, and long-term technology strategy.
- Coach and train factory operations on process theory of operations.
- Continuously evaluate new technologies to keep the facility ahead of the curve in performance and sustainability.
- Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with health and safety regulations, food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO), and environmental guidelines.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement, optimize process flows, and reduce waste.
- Support initiatives related to Food Safety, EHS, and Sustainability, ensuring compliance with industry standards and corporate objectives.
- Experience in the design, construction, and operation of sugar candy, chewing gum, snacks, or prepared food processing facilities
- Thorough knowledge of food safety and sanitary design, and knowledge of food industry standards, practices, and regulations
- Experience with the development of process design basis and select unit operations, the preparation of mass and energy balances, and the preparation of hydraulic and thermal calculations
- Experience with application, sizing, and specification of process equipment (mixers, cookers, ovens, vessels, pumps, agitators, heat exchangers, filters, separators, clean-in-place, conveyors, dryers, filling, packaging, and emission control units) and utility equipment (boilers, compressors, filters, chillers, cooling towers, and water treatment systems)
- Strong technical expertise in automation, controls, robotics, and industrial IT systems
- Experience with process flow drawing (PFD) and P&ID development preferred
- Experience working with equipment supply and technology vendors to identify, specify, purchase, review submittals and incorporate data into designs
- Experience with equipment procurement support and bid evaluation
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause and continuous improvement
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly across functions and levels
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, related Engineering discipline (Master’s preferred)
- 10 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, ideally FMCG, food & beverage, or CPG industries
- Track record of leading process design, integration, and commissioning for large-scale capital projects
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Salary : $98,843 - $138,381