What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at Richardson International?
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Evaluate pasta manufacturing processes and implement improvements to enhance production efficiency, product quality, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety.
- Use data from production lines, schedules, and methods to forecast future needs and drive continuous improvement.
- Analyze and optimize workflows, equipment layout, and space utilization to improve operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, environmental, and occupational regulations.
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
- Monitor and analyze environmental controls on systems using tools and sensors; apply real time data to make production adjustments.
- Develop and maintain optimized operating procedures.
- Collaborate with Maintenance on preventative and predictive maintenance programs; provide technical expertise during maintenance activities.
- Design and implement technical training programs for production staff.
- Partner with Engineering, Sales, and Vendors to test and optimize recipes for efficiency in raw material, energy, and labor usage.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, food safety, quality, productivity, and sanitation.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process-related issues.
- Other duties as assigned.
- 7 years of experience in a plant or process engineering role within a food manufacturing environment, preferably pasta or dry goods.
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, food science, or a related field is a plus.
- Lean manufacturing certification or experience is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with food-grade equipment selection, installation, and maintenance.
- Self-motivated with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-output environment.
- Proven ability to lead projects from concept through implementation.
- Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build trust across departments.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills aligned with plant goals.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting production data and presenting actionable insights.
- Proficient in writing technical documentation, SOPs, and reports.
- Effective communicator with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
- Experience with AutoCAD or similar design software for layout planning.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
- Experience with root cause analysis and troubleshooting production issues.
- Familiarity with advanced Microsoft Excel functions (e.g., PivotTables, VLOOKUP, Macros) and Microsoft Access.
- Experience designing and deploying training programs for frontline production roles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Previous experience in a pasta manufacturing environment is a strong plus. Physical Requirements: Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Navigate and perform tasks in a food manufacturing environment, including walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
- Work in environments that may be hot, humid, dusty, or noisy.
- Lift up to 50 pounds.
- Perform repetitive hand movements for extended periods.
- Communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken.
- Safely ascend and descend ladders.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).