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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Process Engineer

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

Reporting to the Process Engineering Manager, this individual will organize, execute, and lead key process development and implementation activities for the Ferrara portfolio of products. Projects will be related to renovation, innovation, quality improvement, new technologies, network moves, margin management, etc.

Ways you will make a difference

Manage workflow with external vendors to deliver mogul assets to for innovation, renovation, seasonal, and network moves
Partner and work closely with R&D Product Developers, Operations, Marketing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Project Management functions to deliver mogul assets in alignment with business needs
Prompt alignment, timeline communication, and risk escalations to team members and cross functional partners as required
Build technical expertise in mould board design and associated equipment
Champion IP and maintains design repository
Orchestrate the installation and commissioning of pilot plant equipment
Complete FAT and SAT of pilot plant equipment following Ferrara standards
Provide guidance into R&D project timelines
Provide robust technical recommendations on technology and process conditions. Recommendations for raw materials (when required) for the benefit of R&D taking into consideration functional properties, quality, and interchangeability
Build technical expertise in the sugar category by networking with subject matter experts within the company and externally
Lead process focused audits of confectionery manufacturing lines
Provide support on process & technical aspects of the existing brands: supporting stage gate activities, generating process/product specifications, product & process manuals, and troubleshooting guidance.
Seek out and evaluate processing technologies in support of the creation of a long term technology strategy.
Scope and execute work streams & trials and use results to progress projects and provide recommendations.
Collaborate with R&D Product Development Scientists towards the development of new product initiatives from bench to pilot scale, and into full-scale execution. Providing technological expertise and ideal process recommendations.
Performs other duties as assigned

Skills that will make you successful

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving CPG environments
Diplomatic, empathetic, and collaborative interpersonal skills
Highly organized with ability to quickly provide intuitive updates
Previous experience dealing with multiple equipment vendors and managing multiple projects simultaneously
Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution
Ability to influence with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at more senior levels within R&D, Operations and Supply Chain, and to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
Quickly analyze complex problems to find actionable pragmatic solutions and constructive action plan
Strive for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail
Highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office), statistical software or Statistical Process Control (SPC) experience a plus, CAD or similar software a plus
Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines

Experiences that will support your success

B.S. in Food Process Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field looking to build a long-term career within R&D
Minimum of 0-3 years of experience in a CPG R&D or Manufacturing Role, confectionary experience a plus
Project Management experience or certification a plus

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.