Process Engineer

Perfetti Van Melle

. Lead product and process development from trials to factory production, ensuring products meet performance, quality, and cost goals .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeLoves Park • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in product and process development within food manufacturing, focusing on quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, optimize production processes, and effectively communicate technical results.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Product DevelopmentProcess EngineeringContinuous Improvement ToolsFood Safety StandardsData Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Process EngineeringData AnalysisEquipment CommissioningSystem OptimizationIngredient Functionality

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationProject LeadershipCollaborationAnalytical ThinkingProactive Problem Solving

Tools & Technologies

ExcelPowerPointProjectTeams

Certifications & Qualifications

CFSHACCPCI

Industry Keywords

Food ManufacturingGMPSanitationRegulatory ComplianceQuality Assurance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead product and process development from trials to factory production, ensuring products meet performance, quality, and cost goals
Plan and run product trials, analyze data, and share recommendations based on results
Commission and validate new equipment with Engineering and suppliers
Improve production performance by increasing line efficiency, reducing waste, and boosting equipment reliability
Work with suppliers to qualify ingredients, identify alternatives, and reduce material or sourcing risks
Partner with Quality and Regulatory to ensure recipes meet food safety and labeling requirements
Translate data and results into reliable processes and set product quality limits matching production capabilities
Support plant troubleshooting when production issues arise
Coach and develop plant colleagues and onboard new employees when needed
Explain technical results and business impact to cross-functional partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field
5–10+ years of experience in process or product engineering, preferably in food or consumer goods manufacturing
Hands-on experience with equipment commissioning, system optimization, and continuous improvement tools (SPC, data analysis, etc.)
Working knowledge of ingredient functionality and food manufacturing standards (GMP, sanitation, regulatory)
Skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Teams
Strong communicator with proven ability to lead projects, collaborate across teams, and deliver results under tight timelines
Professional, proactive, and solution-oriented; comfortable balancing strategic and hands-on work
Curious, analytical, and driven to improve processes
Able to travel as needed and lift up to 50 lbs
Certifications such as CFS, HACCP, or CI are a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off
13 paid holidays
401k with Company Match up to 8%
Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Annual well-being subsidy
20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options
Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement
Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)