Process Engineer - Lincoln, NE

Job Description

Process Engineer - Lincoln, NE

This is a full‑time, exempt position.

The Lincoln, Nebraska Soybean Processing Complex includes a power generation facility, soybean crushing plant, and a two‑oil refinery. This is a union facility with a workforce of approximately 140 employees.

The role assists in leading day‑to‑day operations, tracking and understanding department costs, yields, quality, process performance, and mentoring less experienced colleagues and engineers. The position also drives process improvements for production in all facets of the operation through direct contributions to project development from conception through start‑up.

A Production Engineer will indirectly lead 20 to 30 hourly colleagues and support the Department Superintendents in areas of daily and weekly scheduling, coordination of training, updating standard operating procedures, and supporting Performance Excellence activities. The position will work with contractor management, CAPEX COE, and Technology COE for the completion of projects within the facility.

• Oversight of specific processes that may include projects. Project management may require purchasing of materials and supplies, equipment installation, budget tracking, employee training, and startup of projects
• Lead plant operations to maintain personnel and process safety
• Perform troubleshooting and make recommendations for improvements to company facilities, equipment, and safety programs
• Interact directly with shift supervision to produce desired operational results and employee development
• Conduct daily review of KPI paperwork (i.e. Operational & Shift Supervisor, quality reports and Production Review)
• Support Safety, Environmental stewardship, Quality and Food Safety Management Systems
• Assist in daily operations including shift coverage as needed and on‑call rotation
• Participate in employee performance management (i.e., mentorship and discipline)
• Provide feedback, mentorship and support to operators and engineers to achieve short‑term and long‑term department performance through use of KPI’s, continuous improvement, and Performance Excellence concepts

• B.S. in Engineering preferred or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of plant operations experience preferred
• 2+ years in direct supervision of people; supervisory experience in a union environment a plus
• Strong dedication to safety
• Project management experience/background is helpful
• Concern for quality
• Proven leadership
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills
• Good written and verbal commutation skills
• Ability to lead personnel and work closely with corporate departments
• Ability to anticipate challenges and develop options to overcome them

• Dust, soybeans
• Chemicals / irritants
• The scope of the position requires exposure to and use of chemicals, solvents, and cleaners that may be hazardous and/or cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, use, and disposal/storage are not accurately followed!
• Spring / Summer:
  Temperatures in some areas of the facility will be up to or exceed 100 degrees. Outside temperature may also reach 100 degrees with potential for high humidity. You may be exposed to inclement weather conditions including, but not limited to, rain and wind.
• Fall / Winter:
  Temperatures inside and out of the location may be at or below freezing. Outside you may face inclement weather including freezing rain, sleet, snow and wind.
• Some manufacturing processes within the facility are highly reliant on machinery and other processing equipment and, as a result, noise levels may reach or exceed 85 decibels and require use of hearing protection for most of the work shift.

• Able to lift and transport materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds on a limited basis, up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 55 pounds overhead.
• Lifting or carrying of weights over 50 pounds is rare. Employees are encouraged to request assistance in lifting or carrying objects that weigh more than 50 pounds.
• Able to traverse up to two (2) miles during the course of a work day.
• Able to move about or to a work site by stooping,…