Process Engineer at Home Chef in Bedford Park, IL

Summary: Home Chef is a company focused on process improvements in food manufacturing, and they are seeking a Process Engineer to enhance efficiency in centralized portioning operations. The role involves developing standard work, analyzing performance indicators, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process improvements. Responsibilities: - Own centralized portioning processes by developing, and maintaining standard work, operating parameters, and process documentation for portioning systems - Develop, track and analyze key process performance indicators (KPIs) for centralized portioning operations, using data and on-floor observations to identify variability, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities impacting safety, quality, throughput and yield - Lead scoping & implementation of process improvements and updates to standard work, ensuring changes are practical, sustainable, and aligned with day-to-day operational activities - Maintain regular on-floor presence to observe process execution and assist with real-time troubleshooting of portioning operations - Coach machine operators, leads, and supervisors on proper process execution and equipment operation, reinforcing adherence to standard work and expected performance standards - Develop, update, and deliver training materials tied to standard work to build operator capability and support sustained process improvements - Serve as a key liaison between plant operations and cross-functional partners, including maintenance, engineering, and corporate CI teams to communicate process needs, issues, and improvement opportunities - Support process trials, new product trials, and process or equipment changes Required Qualifications: - Experience supporting and improving automated machinery, with a working understanding of mechanical systems, controls interactions, and equipment operating parameters - Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to drive results, manage conflict, build alignment, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and with external partners - Strong project management skills, with experience prioritizing multiple workstreams and facilitating structured problem-solving among diverse stakeholders - Strong analytical skills, including experience using Excel to analyze data, build models, and clearly communicate insights to partners - Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and a can-do mindset, focused on finding solutions and enabling progress rather than identifying obstacles - Demonstrated willingness to take initiative, adapt to changing priorities, and take on work of varying size and complexity - High energy, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to influence without authority while maintaining flexibility and accountability - Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while also diving into the details required to execute and sustain improvements Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in food manufacturing is preferred; strong candidates may have experience in supply chain, plant operations, or operational excellence roles - Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field: STEM degree such as Chemical or Mechanical Engineering and 1-2 years of experience in operations strongly preferred Required Skills: Food manufacturing experience, Automated machinery support, Analytical skills, Project management skills Important Skills: Mechanical systems knowledge, Excel proficiency Nice-to-Have Skills: Exceptional communication, Interpersonal skills, Strategic thinking, Self-starter attitude Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available, Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time, 401k program, Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses