Associate Process Engineer - Chicago

Job Summary

An Associate Process Engineer will support and assist senior engineers with projects. This position will work with some supervision in order to develop the practical and critical skills necessary to transition projects to Supply Chain. This position is designed to expand commercialization strength and to develop long term career employees for ConAgra. Actual work will be focused on developing the requirements for the critical transformations for processes, developing performance based specifications, and providing the widest possible solution space.  The work must be focused on what the consumer benefits and designed for profitability, operability, efficiency, and vertical start up.

Position Responsibilities

• Learn and apply the Methodology of Product/Process/Package Development (MOPD).
• Develop and define manufacturing processes that accommodate specific consumer and marketplace requirements for new products, while meeting process, quality, and cost objectives.
• Define the physical, chemical, and biological transformations that must occur to produce new food products.
• Support project objectives under the direction of supervisor.
• Execute bench-top and pilot plant testing to develop prototypes and prove hypotheses.
• Review and analyze results of experiments in order to provide process recommendations.
• Prepare results for review with guidance of supervisor and may present to management the findings.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and distill them to Intellectual Property.
• Monitor consumer trends and wants/needs within the food industry.
• Be flexible in learning and applying new ways of doing work.

Position Qualifications

• BS Chemical, Food, or Biological Engineering required. MS preferred. 
• Minimum 1 year related experience or internship history required.
• Experience with process technology documentation, including Process Flow Sheets, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, Mass and Energy Balances, and Process Control Strategies.
• Experience with process technology preferred.
• Knowledge of applied statistics.
• Proficient in Microsoft office programs including Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Experience using and maintaining a lab notebook.
• Effective communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal).
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Demonstrate leadership (Interpersonal, Team, Organizational) and decision making skills.
• Structured problem solving skills.
• Technical judgment and prioritization skills.
• Skilled in a Deliverables and Success Criteria-based environment.
• Understands risk and values safety/food safety.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible company  representative.

Physical Requirements (optional)

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally; lift up to 25 lbs. regularly.
• Work extensively in pilot plant and or production plant floor environment.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended work days to include:  loud noise, heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions.
• Walking and/or standing for long periods of time.
• Climbing to various heights via stairs or ladders.
• Bending and/or crawling; must be able to move safely and freely around machinery.
• Driving a company or rental vehicle as needed.

Compensation 

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement

• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan

• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement

• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.