What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at GL Staffing Services, Inc.?
We are seeking a highly analytical and solutions-driven Process Engineer to join our Deerfield area manufacturing facility. In this role, you will be the technical bridge between R&D, Quality, and Production. Your primary focus will be scaling up new formulations, optimizing current production runs, and troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges on the floor.
The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background in the food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries, with a distinct preference for professionals who have direct experience in gummy production. If you excel at turning data into actionable process improvements and reducing manufacturing waste, we want you on our team.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Optimization: Analyze and improve existing manufacturing processes for gummy production (including cooking, depositing, curing, and sanding) to increase yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize scrap.
- Scale-Up & Commercialization: Partner closely with the R&D team to transition new gummy formulations from bench-top and pilot scale to full commercial production.
- Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into process deviations (e.g., texture inconsistencies, setting failures, weight variations) using structured problem-solving methodologies to implement permanent corrective actions.
- SOPs & Documentation: Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and process flow diagrams to ensure consistency and compliance across all shifts.
- Equipment Integration: Collaborate with the Maintenance and Engineering teams to specify, install, and qualify new processing and packaging equipment.
- Continuous Improvement: Utilize Lean Six Sigma principles to identify bottlenecks, conduct time studies, and execute cost-saving initiatives across the production floor.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Industry Experience: 2 years of hands-on process engineering experience within a continuous manufacturing environment (food, dietary supplements, or pharmaceuticals).
- Gummy Expertise: Direct experience with gummy manufacturing processes (pectin, gelatin, starchless depositing systems, etc.) is highly preferred.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and reading technical schematics (P&ID).
- Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of cGMP, FDA compliance, and food safety standards.
- Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical staff, including machine operators and senior leadership.
Preferred Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent training.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary of $100,000 / year.
- Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Opportunity to drive technical innovation in a fast-growing, highly specialized manufacturing sector.