Perfetti Van Melle · 6 hours ago
(Sr.) Process Engineer
Greater Rockford Area
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$85K/yr - $115K/yr
5+ years expPerfetti Van Melle is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum. They are seeking a passionate (Sr.) Process and Product Development Engineer to improve manufacturing processes, develop new products, and enhance production efficiency while ensuring quality and compliance with food safety standards.
Food and Beverage
Responsibilities
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 clear recommendations based on results
Commission and validate new equipment, working with Engineering and suppliers to make sure installations meet performance standards
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 all food safety and labeling requirements
Translate data and results into reliable processes and set clear product quality limits that match production capabilities
Support troubleshooting efforts in the plant when production issues arise
Coach and develop plant colleagues to build technical capability and onboarding new employees when needed
Share insights and influence decisions by explaining technical results and business impact to cross-functional partners
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
certifications such as CFS, HACCP, or CI are a plus
Benefits
PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off
13 paid holidays
401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
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)
Company
Perfetti Van Melle
Perfetti Van Melle is a privately owned company, producing and distributing candies and chewing gums in more than 150 countries worldwide.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Sylvia Buxton
President | CEO, North America
Fred King
CFO Perfetti Van Melle North America
Recent News
Food Business News
2025-12-06
Food Business News
2025-12-04
Company data provided by crunchbase