Process Engineer at Home Chef in Bedford Park, IL

Summary: Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company committed to inspiring people to cook simple meals. The Process Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements in the Bedford Park location, focusing on centralized portioning operations and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and equipment reliability. 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 in food manufacturing is preferred; strong candidates may have experience in supply chain, plant operations, or operational excellence roles - 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 - 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, Mechanical systems understanding Important Skills: Analytical skills, Project management skills Nice-to-Have Skills: STEM degree, Exceptional communication, Team collaboration, Problem-solving, Self-starter, Strategic thinking 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