What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at IRCA Group?
Company Overview:
IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients.
The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées.
This transformative deal would create a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022).
Job Overview:
The Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations by developing, optimizing, and standardizing production processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety within the plant. This role plays a key part in driving continuous improvement initiatives, reducing waste, and ensuring that food safety and regulatory requirements are consistently met.
- Analyze current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement in throughput, yield, safety, and cost
- Develop and implement process improvements to enhance product quality, reduce downtime, and optimize resource utilization
- Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to troubleshoot process issues and implement sustainable solutions
- Lead or support capital and continuous improvement projects, including scope development, equipment specification, installation, and validation
- Monitor process performance through data collection and analysis; develop process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and control plans
- Support new product introductions and scaling activities to ensure smooth transitions from pilot to full-scale production
- Ensure all processes comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF, GMP)
- Train operators and technicians on new or modified equipment and processes
- Contribute to plant-wide safety initiatives by identifying risks and implementing engineering controls
- A four-year college or university program degree in relevant discipline (mechanical, electrical, chemical or food processing), industrial management or other technical discipline required
- 2–5 years of experience in a process or manufacturing engineering role within food, beverage, or consumer goods manufacturing preferred
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) strongly desired
- Working knowledge of process control systems, automation, and data analysis tools
- Ability to work in a plant environment (temperature variations, standing for extended periods, wearing required PPE)
- Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- May require weekend or off-shift support during major projects or production trials
We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief. We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusivity. IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.