Principal Project Engineer - Ingredion : Job Details

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Argo Plant (Bedford Park, IL)

Workplace type: On Site

In this role, you will drive operational excellence by leveraging deep technical expertise and a comprehensive understanding of equipment, systems, and process variables. Your leadership will directly support safe, efficient plant operations through hands-on troubleshooting, strategic capital project execution, and continuous improvement initiatives. By identifying and implementing cost-saving and productivity-enhancing solutions, you will play a critical role in optimizing manufacturing performance and minimizing waste.

The Principal Project Engineer will be responsible for driving improvement through a detailed understanding of equipment and systems and the variables impacting the operation. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the safe day-to-day operations of the plant through troubleshooting, technical support, and implementation of capital projects. This position identifies opportunities and successfully implements changes to strategically reduce manufacturing costs, optimize productivity, and minimize waste.

What you will do:

• Lead the design and execution of capital permits and projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, ROI achievement, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Provide technical expertise to enhance workplace safety by redesigning processes to prevent injuries and property damage.
• Oversee all phases of project implementation, including budgeting, scheduling, personnel training, startup supervision, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements, ISO standards, GMP policies, and food safety and quality systems.
• Drive continuous improvement by challenging the status quo, leveraging data for cross-functional recommendations, and proactively seeking better outcomes.
• Foster an inclusive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and learning from others to create innovative, customer-focused solutions.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred) or equivalent practical experience.
• Significant engineering experience, including successful execution of large-scale projects ($500k+), project management, and leadership of consultants and junior engineers.
• In-depth knowledge of the Wet Milling industry or related sectors such as food, chemical, biochemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Expertise in engineering and unit operations, including chemistry, heat and material balances, P&ID development, separations, evaporation, crystallization, drying, material handling, CGMP, and energy management.
• Proven record in research, engineering, or manufacturing with added value in sweetener production from starch.

Who you are:

• Open to giving and receiving critical feedback, engaging in crucial conversations with a growth mindset.
• Embraces change, collaborates effectively, and builds trusting relationships by addressing stakeholder needs.
• Think creatively and challenge the status quo to drive innovation and improvement.
• Evaluates options to deliver optimal, customer-focused solutions and outcomes.
• Leads and influences cross-functional teams without direct authority, demonstrating strong organization and results orientation.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disabilitymental or physicalmarital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law ( protected classifications ). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Relocation Available: Yes, Within Country

Pay Range: $119,520.00-$159,360. Annual

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation: As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits: Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.