Job DescriptionYour Role at KIKWe are seeking a Process Engineer
(Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with occasional weekend support during startups, shutdowns, and planned project work) to provide technical leadership and hands-on engineering support across all manufacturing and packaging operations at our Chicago, IL facility, a fast-moving consumer goods plant operating under GMP standards. In this role, you will drive production reliability, equipment performance, and process optimization while leading capital project execution from concept through startup and operational handoff.
You will serve as a key technical resource for our Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Leadership teams. You will be equally comfortable troubleshooting a packaging line during a breakdown, managing a capital installation, or leading a root cause analysis through to closure. Success in this role calls for a balance of engineering knowledge, practical manufacturing experience, mechanical aptitude, process control understanding, and visible leadership on the plant floor.
This position has a base annual salary range of $100,000.00 to $120,000.00 based upon several factors including your relevant skills and experience.What You'll Do- Provide engineering support for manufacturing, packaging, utilities, automation, and facility systems to maximize safety, reliability, and operational performance.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, and process issues to minimize downtime, improve equipment reliability, and optimize production.
- Lead capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, contractor coordination, FAT/SAT, startup, and operational handoff.
- Support plant reliability initiatives through root cause analysis (RCA), failure elimination, preventive and predictive maintenance optimization, and equipment maintainability improvements.
- Maintain and support plant automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, sensors, and networked control systems.
- Ensure engineering activities comply with GMP, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements, including engineering change management, CAPA support, and audit readiness.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment uptime, throughput, labor efficiency, waste reduction, and conversion cost improvements using data-driven methodologies.
- Provide technical leadership by mentoring plant personnel, collaborating across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain, participating in daily operational reviews, and serving as backup Maintenance leadership as required.
What You'll Bring- High School Diploma or equivalent (required). Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical or Manufacturing Engineering (preferred) an equivalent combination of education and directly related engineering experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Five or more years of engineering experience in FMCG, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience supporting high-speed manufacturing and packaging operations with hands-on equipment and process troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of industrial automation, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, and process control systems.
- Experience managing capital projects, including equipment specification, installation, commissioning, and startup.
- Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, P&IDs, OEM manuals, and technical documentation.
- Knowledge of reliability engineering principles, preventive and predictive maintenance practices, CMMS systems, and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and industrial reporting systems.
- Experience in chemical manufacturing, liquid processing, or high-speed packaging preferred.
- Experience in Industrial Safety Management preferred.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment- Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment, including standing and walking for extended periods.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and climbing stairs and ladders to access equipment, platforms, and elevated work areas.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and varying temperatures in both indoor and outdoor areas.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
What You Will GetKIK offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, wellness, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. You can plan for your future with KIK's retirement savings options including employer match. KIK also recognizes the importance of continuing education and offers Education Assistance to our employees to encourage continued personal development and growth.
