Process Development Engineer

Role Overview  

Assist with and lead the process development of new product development projects to transition from laboratory concept to full commercial production at Oil-Dri manufacturing locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist/lead process development projects to scale up new products from lab sample sizes to full production loads.
• Design and conduct process studies on a pilot plant scale, assembling the appropriate equipment, team members, and raw materials. Plan out projects with timelines, projected costs, and follow up with written reports on these projects. Clean all equipment and process area used (in the studies) right after the study is completed.
• Communicate project plans with all involved teammates and cross-functional members (via meetings, emails, phone calls, etc.) so that all are aware of the deliverables and timelines.
• Collaborate and work with internal and external teams to design production plant process studies, including managing team members, timelines, raw material acquisitions, and projects costs.   
• Assist Operations/Manufacturing with troubleshooting issues and/or process improvement projects with newly launched products or existing products.
• Manage and conduct projects with external teams including toll processors, vendors, and customers.
• Keep meticulous records of all internal and external process studies including process cycles, equipment used, raw materials, results, and test findings.
• Perform various physical and chemical characterization tests on prototypes and keep records on tests results.
• Provide support to internal and external teams by conducting various TSRs (Technical Service Requests) and follow up with written reports.
• Collaborate with the IC Safety Team to ensure all process and test studies are conducted according to Oil-Dri Safety Standards.
• Maintain all process and test equipment in the IC Pilot Plant and assist Facilities Specialist with any maintenance or other tasks.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support business growth.

Qualifications

Education:

• BS Mechanical Engineering and 2 – 5 years related experience.

Skills & Abilities:

• 2-5 years’ process experience with pumps, spraying systems, mixing technologies, drying systems, and other process systems.
• Proficient with MS Office. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work in a warehouse environment. 
• Forklift experience is a plus, but forklift training and certification will be provided.
• 25% - 50% travel possible.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay ($76k - $99k) + annual bonus)
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Paid parental leave, generous PTO, & paid holidays
• Work-life balance
• Career growth with exposure to senior leadership.
• Annual merit increase opportunity
• Fitness & Gym Reimbursement
• Employer Contribution - Health, Dental

About Us

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.