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Associate Process Engineer

Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands

Other Engineering
Chicago, IL, USA
USD 59k-78k / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 19, 2025

Reporting to the Manager R&D, you will support the development and commercialization of new food processes and technologies. You will focus on defining critical process transformations, developing performance-based specifications, and exploring broad solution spaces with the goal of delivering consumer benefits through profitable, efficient, and operationally sound designs.

Your Impact

  • Learn and apply the Methodology of Product/Process/Package Development (MOPD).

  • Develop and define manufacturing processes that meet consumer and marketplace requirements for new products while achieving process, quality, and cost objectives.

  • Define the physical, chemical, and biological transformations required to produce new food products.

  • Execute bench-top and pilot plant testing to develop prototypes and validate hypotheses.

  • Review and analyze experimental results to provide process recommendations and prepare findings for leadership presentations.

  • Provide technical support in manufacturing facilities as needed.

  • Maintain accurate and complete records and distill them into Intellectual Property documentation.

  • Monitor consumer trends and emerging needs within the food industry.

  • Demonstrate flexibility in learning and applying new approaches to work.

  • Assist in providing technical leadership on projects as required.

  • Requires travel approximately 25% of the time, with peak travel reaching 40% as needed.

Your Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Food, or Biological Engineering or related field

  • 1+ year of related experience or internship history with process technology, process engineering or related industry experience

  • Basic understanding of process documentation, including Process Flow Sheets, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, and process control concepts.

  • Familiarity with mass and energy balances and willingness to learn more advanced techniques.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to share ideas clearly.

  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across multiple functions.

  • Exposure to project management principles.

  • Problem-solving skills with a structured approach; interest in learning methodologies like Six Sigma.

  • Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in dynamic environments.

  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

  • Eagerness to learn and grow in technical judgment and decision-making.

Physical Requirements

  • May lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

  • Willingness to work in pilot plant and production environment with exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions and all food allergens.

  • Comfortable climbing stairs or ladders and moving safely around machinery.

  • Ability to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed.

Relocation is available for this position. Preference given to local candidates, if applicable.

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Compensation:

Pay Range:$59,000-$78,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.