Senior Process Engineer I

About Imbibe

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry.

Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products.

At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time.

If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Summary of Position

Technically proficient Engineer that is directly involved with equipment operation, process development, commercialization of ingredients and finished goods, and root cause analysis. This individual works alongside vendors, teammates, and external customers to meet project deadlines and launch new projects to market.

Essential Job Duties

• Support new products in scale up and first production launches at multiple co-manufacturing locations across multiple product types
• Apply sound engineering principles to food and beverage processes to meet production and customer requirements
• Proficient in operating equipment and comfortable with using tools for measurement and repairs
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines during the production of food and beverage products.
• Ensure that processing and manufacturing concerns are incorporated into product development efforts throughout the life cycle of a project
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis and Process Improvement projects
• Able to conduct independent development/troubleshooting work
• Write technical documents with accuracy and clear detail in a professional format
• Work collaboratively with other employees in other roles and outside customers as part of a project team
• This role may include supervision of other teammates or management of entry to mid-level roles (typically 1-3 direct reports)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering disciplines: Chemical, Mechanical, Biochemical, etc.
• Minimum experience – 4 years
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• At times will need to bend and kneel on the floor
• At times will carry, move, or push objects weighing 50lbs+
• At times will work at elevated heights
• Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to observe details at close range.
• Constantly moves about the pilot plant, labs, and office

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous food and beverage R&D or manufacturing experience
• Visual Basic or Python experience
• Experience building and executing Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Experience using statistical analysis for application in unit operations
• Excellent technical writing skills
• Experience leading plant trials and productions

Working Conditions

• Will be present in plant with floors that can be wet and/or slippery and may be cold (40°F) or hot (90+°F)
• Plant equipment can be dangerous to touch due to rotary, electrical or temperature danger
• Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens
• This job may require up to 30% travel

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role.

Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
• 401k retirement plan with company contribution and match
• FSA and HSA account
• Generous company holidays, PTO, and sick time
• Onsite gym and wellness opportunities 
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Learning and professional development opportunities