Food Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bedford Park, IL (Argo Plant)

Workplace type: Onsite

As a Process Engineer, you will drive manufacturing excellence by optimizing processes, improving plant performance, and leading continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. This role plays a critical part in identifying opportunities, implementing technical solutions, and standardizing best practices across operations.

As a Process Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring and optimizing manufacturing processes, troubleshooting operational challenges, and leading process improvement projects. The role partners closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to deliver sustainable improvements in safety, quality, reliability, and overall plant performance while supporting capital projects and operational standardization.

This role reports to the Process Engineering Manager and does not have direct people management responsibility but leads cross-functional teams and influences stakeholders across plant operations.

What you will do:

• Monitor, analyze, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, yield, and cost performance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and continuous improvement projects that drive operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Develop engineering documentation including process flow diagrams, material and energy balances, P&IDs, and process control strategies.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues while providing technical support to production and maintenance teams.
• Manage small capital projects from concept through implementation and startup.
• Update and maintain Management of Change (MOC) documentation and ensure compliance with EHSSQ requirements.
• Establish, implement, and monitor best operating practices, critical routines, and process standardization efforts across the plant.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required.
• Experience optimizing and standardizing manufacturing or industrial processes.
• Proven experience leading process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Knowledge of process engineering principles, process control systems, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting capital projects, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Who you are:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable solutions.
• Effective leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive results without direct authority.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for challenging the status quo and identifying better ways of working.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Adaptability, organization, and a results-driven approach in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package - Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support - Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth - Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program - A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program - Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability-mental or physical-marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law ("protected classifications"). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Pay Range:

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.