Process Engineer

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

A technically proficient process engineer dedicated to optimizing food and beverage manufacturing through hands-on equipment operation, process development, and the commercialization of ingredients and finished goods. This individual will play a key role in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous process improvement to enhance production efficiency and product quality. They will collaborate closely with vendors, cross-functional teams, and external customers to execute projects, meet deadlines, and ensure successful product launches. Additionally, they will integrate manufacturing considerations into product development, author precise technical documentation, and support compliance with industry regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Essential Job Duties

• Assist in scaling up new products and overseeing initial production launches across multiple co-manufacturing facilities and diverse product categories
• Apply fundamental engineering principles to optimize food and beverage processing, ensuring alignment with production requirements and customer expectations.
• Operate production equipment proficiently and utilize tools for measurement, troubleshooting, adjustments, and basic repairs.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines to uphold food safety and quality standards throughout production.
• Integrate manufacturing and processing considerations into product development efforts, ensuring efficiency and feasibility throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct root cause analysis and contribute to process improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.
• Execute independent development and troubleshooting tasks, applying problem-solving skills to resolve production challenges.
• Author precise, well-structured technical documents with clear details, following professional formatting standards.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including colleagues in various roles and external partners, to drive successful project outcomes.
• Assist in evaluating new equipment and technologies for potential implementation in production processes.
• Monitor production metrics and analyze data to identify trends, optimize processes, and enhance efficiency.
• Conduct trials and validation testing to refine formulations and optimize manufacturing techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline, such as Chemical, Mechanical, Biochemical, or a related field.
• Experience: 0-3 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing, or food and beverage production.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data analysis, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Internship or prior work experience in food and beverage manufacturing, process engineering, or related production environments.
• Programming Skills: Familiarity with Visual Basic or Python for data analysis, automation, or process optimization. 

Working Conditions

• Will work in a plant environment where floors may be wet or slippery, with ambient temperatures ranging from cold (40°F) to hot (90+°F).
• Must exercise caution around plant equipment, which may pose rotary, electrical, or temperature-related hazards.
• Requires occasional bending, kneeling, and working at floor level to perform tasks.
• May need to lift, move, or push objects weighing 50+ lbs as part of routine duties.
• Occasionally required to work at elevated heights.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, up to four consecutive hours.
• Position may require up to 30% travel for project execution, site visits, or collaboration with external partners.

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