Process Engineer

As part of Richardson’s global agriculture and food business, our food and ingredients division plays a central role in connecting farm to table through our vertically integrated supply chain. As a leading pasta manufacturer, Richardson produces a wide range of high-quality dry pasta products for diverse markets and end uses. 

Richardson provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, flexible benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and training and career development opportunities.  

Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have an opportunity for a Process Engineer at our Carrington, ND durum milling and pasta production facility, where we produce Dakota Growers pasta. 

Responsibilities: 

• Evaluate pasta manufacturing processes and implement improvements and operating procedures to enhance production efficiency, product quality, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety 

• Use data from production lines, schedules, and methods to forecast future needs and drive continuous improvement 

• Analyze and optimize workflows, equipment layout, and space utilization to improve operational efficiency 

• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, environmental, and occupational regulations 

• Monitor and analyze environmental controls on systems using tools and sensors, and apply real time data to make production adjustments 

• Collaborate with Maintenance on preventative and predictive maintenance programs, providing technical expertise during maintenance activities 

• Design and implement technical training programs for production staff  

• Partner with Engineering, Sales, and Vendors to test and optimize recipes for efficiency in raw material, energy, and labor usage 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, food safety, quality, productivity, and sanitation 

• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process-related issues 

Qualifications: 

• 7+ years of experience in a plant or process engineering role within a food manufacturing environment, preferably pasta or dry goods 

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, food science, or a related field is an asset 

• Lean manufacturing certification or experience is highly desirable 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with food-grade equipment selection, installation, and maintenance 

• Self-motivated with a strong focus on continuous improvement.  

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-output environment 

• Proven ability to lead projects from concept through implementation.  

• Strong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to build trust across departments 

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational and prioritization skills 

• Proficient in writing technical documentation, SOPs, and reports 

• Experience with AutoCAD or similar design software for layout planning  

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.), with familiarity with advanced Excel functions 

• Experience with root cause analysis and troubleshooting production issues 

• Experience designing and deploying training programs for frontline production roles 

Physical Requirements:  

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation: 

• Navigate and perform tasks in a food manufacturing environment, including walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods 

• Work in environments that may be hot, humid, dusty, or noisy 

• Lift up to 50 pounds 

• Perform repetitive hand movements for extended periods 

• Communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken 

• Safely ascend and descend ladders 

• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE)