Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients.
Want to help us make a difference?
Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients.
Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.
The Role:
Roquette is looking for our next Associate Process Engineer within our entry-level Engineering Development Program.
The Engineering Development Program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain diverse experiences across different departments within Roquette. This comprehensive program is designed to develop well-rounded professionals who possess a deep understanding of the business from multiple perspectives.
Participants will rotate through various roles, each lasting approximately one year, allowing them to build a robust skill set and network with colleagues across the organization. Throughout the program, they will be mentored by senior leaders, receive ongoing training, and engage in challenging projects that drive real impact.
By the end of the three years, participants will have not only a broad knowledge of the company's operations but also the leadership and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in their careers. This rotational program is more than just a steppingstone; it's a launchpad for ambitious individuals ready to take on significant roles and contribute meaningfully to Roquette's success.
The current annual salary for this role is estimated to be $85,000. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
This position is located in Keokuk, IA or Gurnee, IL
What We Offer:
- A highly collaborative team environment with ample room for exponential career growth.
- Competitive pay, annual performance bonus, comprehensive benefits, 6.2% company retirement contribution, and professional development opportunities.
- Generous paid time off and 12 annual paid company holidays.
- 12 weeks 100% paid maternity leave, and up to 4 weeks 100% paid parental leave (including adoption/surrogacy/foster care leave) for non-birthing parents.
- Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement program for select roles.
- Annual wellness benefit and wellness centered programs focused on your health needs.
What You'll Do:
You will be part of a Green Belt certification program and work as a leader on projects aiming to improve site performance and operational competitiveness. To be able to perform in the role, you will be trained in industry-leading methodologies, including Six Sigma, DMAIC, continuous improvement, and general project management.
During this assignment, you will lead two or more projects with three to five months' duration with specific objectives like Production losses improvement (OEE, productivity), Process Control management (Yield, Variability), Cost Reduction (Energy, recovery), or Process Improvement with significant impact (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality). In addition, you will be implementing change, overseeing change management, and analyzing change impact, including financials against business targets.
As a Green Belt Project Engineer, you will be performing project management leadership duties, including but not limited to:
- Participating in project selection and creating a project charter with sponsors.
- Upgrading the project charter, defining the project team, and communicating with sponsors during green belt training.
- Defining a project working plan, following the DMAIC methodology.
- Managing the project team by defining clear roles and responsibilities, an action plan by phases, and following up to ensure progress according to the plan.
- Managing stakeholders with timely communication to ensure continued project support and decision alignment.
- Preparing and delivering Gate Review presentations (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).
- Selecting and applying appropriate tools and methods for generating, collecting, and analyzing data.
- Establishing an implementation plan for identified improvement solutions, including a training and change management plan.
- Preparing and delivering a project presentation to the certification jury.
What You'll Need:
Education:
- Graduating senior with a bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering
Experience:
- Prior internship in a manufacturing environment required, food & beverage manufacturing experience preferred
- Basic understanding of process design, including flow, level, pressure, temperature, density, and weight system instruments, as well as knowledge of pumps, tanks, and pressure/vacuum ratings.
- Ability to read and comprehend process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and other engineering documents.
- Capable of conducting fieldwork to collect and verify data
Work Environment
- This role spends approximately 50% of the time in an office environment and 50% of the time in a plant environment
Physical Demands
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; work in hot, cold and loud environments. Employee must be able to wear a respirator
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This is a full-time position. Days and flexible hours of work are required to meet facility demands.
Business Travel:
- Occasional business travel to Roquette's other manufacturing sites as needed
AAP/EEO Statement
Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
If you identify yourself in this position, please apply byuploading your resume and let's start the journey together !
Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.
Roquette believes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion must be woven into everything we do, from the products we make, through the relationships we build with our partners, and most importantly within the teams we create and how we interact together.
As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach, by creating a workforce that represents the world we live in, and the communities and customers we serve.
To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at and at