Essentia Protein Solutions · 10 hours ago
Process Engineer - Essentia
Ankeny, Iowa
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expEssentia Protein Solutions is a food and beverage manufacturing company focused on animal protein processing. They are seeking a Process Engineer to support the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of production processes, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance.
E-CommerceWellnessNutrition
Responsibilities
Analyze, develop, and optimize unit operations such as cooking, enzymatic hydrolysis, separation, evaporation, drying, filtration, membrane processing, and thermal treatment
Conduct time, yield, and mass‑balance studies to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
Support capacity expansion projects by providing process calculations, equipment specifications, and line balancing
Create, edit, and update Process Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) in alignment with engineering and operational requirements
Identify and implement process improvements that reduce energy consumption, improve thermal efficiency, and lower utility costs
Provide input and expertise for animal protein processing technologies, including raw material handling, thermal processing, sanitary design, and by‑product utilization
Collaborate with R&D to scale new products—from bench to pilot to full commercial scale
Troubleshoot process deviations and performance bottlenecks
Utilize statistical tools to track process KPIs such as yields, moisture, solids content, viscosity, and other key process metrics
Interpret manufacturing data to make recommendations for efficiency improvement or quality enhancement
Support implementation and refinement of MES/SCADA systems for process monitoring
Ensure all processes comply with HACCP, USDA, FDA, and SQF/BRC requirements
Maintain documentation including process flow diagrams (PFDs), SOPs, and control plans
Work with QA to resolve customer complaints, deviations, and audit findings
Assist with equipment evaluation, FAT/SAT testing, commissioning, and startup
Manage small‑to‑medium capital projects, including scope, budget, timeline, and contractor coordination
Qualification
Required
Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
2-5 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, ideally within animal proteins, rendering, meat processing, collagen/gelatin extraction, broth/stock production, or protein concentrates
Strong understanding of unit operations: thermal processing, evaporation, drying, filtration, separation, pumping, CIP and sanitation
Working knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations and food safety systems
Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, or similar)
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without authority
Excellent communication—both technical and operational
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety and quality
Hands‑on, plant‑floor‑focused approach
Ability to travel and work at company facilities for extended hours as needed
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred
Experience with enzymatic processes, membrane filtration (UF/RO/NF), or spray drying
Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Experience working in high-volume protein processing environments
Familiarity with AutoCAD, Aspen, or other process modeling tools
Strong project management experience
Company
Essentia Protein Solutions
Essentia Protein Solutions is all about proteins.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Corey Jansen
President/CEO - Essentia North America
Recent News
2024-12-22
2023-12-25
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