Job Description

Job Title: Production Engineer – PB Leiner USA

Location: Davenport, IA

Department: Production/Manufacturing

Reports To: Production Manager

PB Leiner is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality gelatins and collagen peptides. We supply a growing market in food, pharma, health nutrition and technical applications. In all our efforts, we strive to be The Clear Solution for our customers. We spot and exploit opportunities and try to anticipate future trends for them. We pursue outstanding quality and choice, as well as smooth delivery. We have a global presence in terms of both our plants and sales support and count approximately 1,300 collaborators worldwide.

PB Leiner is part of Tessenderlo Group (Euronext: TESB), a global industrial group that focuses on agriculture, valorizing bio-residuals, machinery, mechanical engineering, electronics, energy, and industrial solutions for water management. With its headquarters in Belgium, the group is active in over 100 countries and it has a global team of more than 7,500 employees. At the heart of the strategy of Tessenderlo Group lies the conviction that “Every Molecule Counts”: in everything we do, we seek to further valorize our products and our processes, and to add value. For more information about Tessenderlo Group, visit .

Job Summary:

To coordinate, lead, and continuously improve the gelatin production process to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products that meet budget, schedule, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Gelatin & Collagen Production

• Oversee production activities including procedures, work instructions, risk assessments, incident investigations, and problem-solving to achieve production targets.
• Lead Performance Management process for the facility.
• Facilitate daily meetings for alignment between production, quality, safety, and maintenance functions.
• Set up and direct the operation of production line equipment to meet the schedule with the right quality.
• Ensure execution of the short-term production plan.
• Identify technical issues and communicate effectively with the maintenance team.
• Collaborate with maintenance to plan routine and special maintenance activities.
• Monitoring and follow up for microbiological and quality parameters of intermediate products.
• Implement cost-reduction initiatives within the production area.
• Provide input and support for engineering projects and production-related investments.
• Organize and coordinate production shutdowns for preventive, corrective, or regulatory maintenance.
• Maintain and update operational manuals and procedures, promoting continuous improvement.
• Identify training gaps with operators and supervisors and collaborate with process engineering team to develop and deliver necessary training.
• Act as backup for the Production Manager during their absence.

Innovation & Optimization

• Monitor and provide guidance to aid in control of production processes to prevent deviations and ensure consistent performance.
• Investigate deviations, identify root causes by facilitating root cause analysis activities, and implement corrective actions.
• Recommend improvements in processes and equipment and process optimization.

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)

• Ensure implementation and compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality policies within the manufacturing department.
• Monitor adherence to food safety, GMP, ISO, and HSE systems in accordance with internal and external regulations.
• Foster a safe work environment through procedures, training, and technical improvements.
• Ensure accurate traceability of products and materials.
• Provide advice on SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) policies and food safety matters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, equipment, and process control methodologies.
• Experience with TPM and lean process methodologies.
• Problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement approach.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in food manufacturing.
• Familiarity with OSHA, GMP, or ISO compliance standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment:

• This role requires standing, walking, and occasionally lifting heavy materials.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, and varying temperatures.

PB Leiner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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