Continuous Improvement Engineer at PURIS Proteins – Minneapolis, Minnesota

At PURIS, we're dedicated to cultivating a better food system and making a positive impact. How do we do it? By transforming high-quality, USA-made ingredients into essential components for a wide range of everyday products. From cereals and snacks to protein beverages and beyond, our ingredients are powering a healthier future. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a growing food industry. You'll work with state-of-the-art engineering and work together with your peers to build a better food future.

At our Dawson, MN facility, you're at the heart of it all. As the largest pea protein plant in North America, this facility is the backbone of our operations. Here, we take raw materials and transform them into the vital ingredients that end up in countless food products, from those in our kitchens to shelves across the country. If you're someone who loves to solve problems on the fly and has a keen eye for detail, you'll thrive here. Most importantly, your commitment to safety ensures that every team member goes home healthy and safe at the end of each day. We're proud to share that PURIS was awarded Manufacturer of the Year in 2024 by Twin Cities Business Journal, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams!

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Project Engineer is responsible to drive the development and execution of the continuous improvement projects. This includes participation in the Community of Practice. This position is responsible for delivering breakthrough performance results in process and efficiency in identified areas of opportunity. The CI Project Engineer stimulates management thinking about structured problem solving; and ensures the successful application of CI tools and methodologies for the program. This is accomplished by identifying and mentoring project initiatives and championing the continuous improvement program. This role requires a strong leader who can partner effectively with all levels of the organization.

Pay Rate/Range: $74,497 - $93,121

Pay Frequency: Biweekly

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Work Location: Dawson, MN

Travel: None

The compensation for this role will be based on qualifications, experience, market data, and internal equity. Actual pay may vary due to factors such as location, skills, education, and performance. Pay is determined transparently, using market benchmarks and ensuring internal equity.

Responsibilities Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Leads and facilitates change in CI culture to significantly improve Business and Functional alignment and organization execution.
• Work in partnership with leaders on the execution of continuous improvement projects.
• Provide feedback on CI project selection, scope, definition, and performance to ensure alignment with business strategy and CE portfolio
• Drive continuous improvement culture change through best practice sharing, vocal advocacy, and visible leadership
• Work in partnership with the Business and Functional Leadership teams to establish goals and objectives regarding the Organization’s opportunities for improvements.
• Conduct CI training for the process network and evaluate effectiveness
• Use statistical analysis tools to identify performance trends and areas of opportunity
• Align activities to support safety culture while delivering productivity improvement targets

Program Execution and Value Realization

• Assist CI Leaders in program administration and coordination, including the development and execution of continuous improvement deployment strategy and plans.
• Conduct CI workshops to lead teams in sustainable performance improvements.
• Accurately forecast program costs and value realization targets

• BA/BS degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or similar Engineering degree required.
• 5+ years work experience in process improvement, continuous improvement or demonstrated performance in an operations environment.
• Lean Six Sigma Green belt or willingness to earn one.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Able to identify problems; apply structured and disciplined methodology to identify root cause using data.
• Ability to facilitate small and large cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to directly and indirectly influence change within the organization.
• Demonstrated experience with effective communication of goals and strategies across multiple leadership levels of an organization.
• Experience working with leaders within an organization.
• Proven ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, and relate / compare facts from different sources to identify solutions.

Benefits:

At PURIS, we’re proud to support our team with a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally. Starting the first of the month after your hire date, you’ll enjoy access to Medical insurance plans starting as low as $31 per paycheck. We also offer dental and vision coverage, as well as free digital health care for all employees. You will also have access to Life and Short-Term Disability insurance covered for you at 100%, along with flexible health and dependent care spending accounts. Planning for your future? PURIS contributes 50% of every dollar you save, up to 6%, toward your retirement plan. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with 80 hours of PTO accrued annually, 8 paid holidays, and access to a variety of other free resources at your disposal. Join us, and experience the benefits designed with you in mind!

Join the Plant-Based Revolution:

At PURIS, we're dedicated to cultivating a better food system and making a positive impact. How do we do it? By transforming high-quality, USA-made pea ingredients and non-GMO soybeans into essential components for a wide range of everyday products. From cereals and snacks to protein beverages, soy milk, tofu, and beyond, our ingredients are powering a healthier future and strengthening our domestic food supply chain. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of an exciting period of expansion and growth. You'll drive strategic initiatives, leverage cutting-edge solutions, and implement new processes that directly support a better food future for people and the planet.

Why Work with Us?

Career Growth: PURIS offers a dynamic work environment where you can develop your skills and advance your career. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

Innovative Environment: You'll have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art engineering and cutting-edge technology. Our dedication to innovation means you'll be part of a forward-thinking team constantly pushing the boundaries of the plant-based food industry.

Strong Values: We uphold integrity and a global vision for the future. Our company culture is built on collaboration, excellence, and a shared commitment to our mission of creating a better food system. This commitment extends to fostering a workplace where safety is paramount in every operation.

Commitment to Sustainability: At PURIS, we are deeply dedicated to creating a sustainable future. Our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize environmental impact and promote regenerative agriculture. By joining our team, you'll contribute to a company that values sustainability and is committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

Join Our Team:

To apply for the role, visit www.puris.com/careers. PURIS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The hiring process includes successfully completing a background check, and drug screen. We E-verify all new hires.

INTEGRITY | LEADERSHIP | OPENNESS | GLOBAL VISION | ADAPTABILITY | PARTNERSHIP

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any PURIS employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment and therefore become the property of PURIS.