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Process Engineer II
Other Engineering
Decatur, IL, USA
Posted on Sep 22, 2026
Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen
meals. Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us.
As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day.
What you will do:
The Process Engineer II independently leads recurring problem-solving and improvement efforts, partnering with operations to implement durable solutions. Drives department-wide measurable improvements (throughput, downtime, yield, reliability) and develops capacity and constraint analyses that inform site-level long-range planning priorities.
Here’s a day in the life:
Structured Troubleshooting — Applies structured troubleshooting methods to recurring and ambiguous process problems; works across shifts and on the floor to move beyond symptoms and consistently identify root cause.
Root Cause Analysis & Data-Driven Continuous Improvement — Uses production data, downtime trends, and process metrics to lead root cause investigations and continuous improvement within the department; demonstrates the ability to turn recurring issues into verified, sustained gains.
CIP & Sanitary Design — Applies CIP principles, sanitary design standards (3-A/USDA), and drainability considerations across multiple system areas; demonstrates sound judgment in identifying and escalating sanitation risks (receiving through finished product, separations, pasteurization, cultures, packaging, whey handling).
Mass & Energy Balance / Throughput Modeling — Applies mass and energy balance methods to quantify losses, constraints, and improvement opportunities using real data; uses throughput modeling to support improvement and capacity decisions.
Process Control & Automation Literacy — Developing fluency in control intent, sensor placement and troubleshooting, functional descriptions, and operator interface design.
Equipment Evaluation & System Design — Building the ability to evaluate equipment fit, failure modes, cleanability, and lifecycle cost; contributes to vendor evaluations and equipment selection.
Dairy Process Fundamentals — Applies end-to-end dairy process knowledge across system areas (receiving through finished product, separations, pasteurization, cultures, packaging, whey handling); uses system understanding to diagnose process behavior beyond the immediate area.
Utilities Integration — Developing understanding of how refrigeration, steam, compressed air, water, and wastewater systems constrain and enable production; building the ability to recognize utility-driven process issues.
Capacity & Long-Range Planning — Applies capacity and constraint analysis to identify bottlenecks; uses capacity and constraint analyses to inform site-level long-range planning priorities.
Project Management — Applies project execution practices to deliver department-level process improvements end to end — scope definition, design, installation, scheduling, and close-out — delivering measurable results.
Ensures regulatory compliance (ODA, USDA, FDA, SQF, PSM/RMP)
Mandate adherence to all safety guidelines and work to provide a safe work environment for all employees.
Situational Adaptability — Picks up on situational cues and adjusts in the moment; readily adapts personal, interpersonal, and work style to the demands of different situations.
Manages Complexity — Asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations and acquires data from multiple, diverse sources; uncovers root causes and evaluates the pros, cons, risks, and benefits of different solution options.
Plans & Aligns — Sets objectives that align with broader organizational goals, breaks them into appropriate initiatives and actions, stages activities with relevant milestones and schedules, and adjusts contingency plans as needed.
Manages Ambiguity — Deals comfortably with the uncertainty of change and effectively handles risk; decides and acts without the total picture, staying calm and productive even when things are up in the air.
Communicates Effectively — Communicates effectively one-on-one and in small and large groups across diverse styles and position levels; attentively listens, adjusts to fit the audience and message, and provides timely, helpful information across the organization.
Collaborates — Works cooperatively across the organization to achieve shared objectives; partners to get work done, represents own interests while being fair to others, credits others for their contributions, and gains their trust and support.
Ensures Accountability — Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same; acts with a clear sense of ownership, takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and outcomes, and establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results.
Utilize a computer with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in a technical field (engineering, food science, or related discipline)
EXPERIENCE
4–7 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or process engineering environment
Have experience with the following: Mass balance process flows and calculations, heat exchange (conceptual, theoretical, & applicable), and food or dairy packaging experience.
Experience working with multi trade-based vendors/contractors.
Show familiarity with USDA Dairy and 3A Sanitary Design Standards.
Required training/certification: 3-A Hygienic Design Online Learning courses (Levels 1.0–4.0); Tilla-Leadership program.
Physical requirements:
Sitting
Standing and/or walking
Lifting 25 lbs
Vision for machine or computer operations
Hearing
Corporate role Must be able to travel 25-50% between Tillamook manufacturing facilities.
Working Conditions:
Administration: Individual work space, desk and computer. May not be temperature controlled, could have loud background noises. May include entering production facility and walking on uneven, slippery surfaces and encountering forklift traffic. Requires sitting majority of shift; can include standing and walking to accomplish tasks. May require stooping, bending and crouching to file, retrieve supplies. Occasional lifting of 25 pounds.
Salary Information:
This is a salaried position with a starting salary range of $89,790.00 - $130,197.00. Actual compensation will be determined by experience and other factors permitted by law.
Industry leading benefit and reward programs:
We offer a best-in-class benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:
Health Coverage: Low premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement: 401(k) with 100% match on the first 6% you contribute.
Wellness Support: Up to $420 annually for fitness-related expenses.
Time Off: Competitive vacation, 10 paid holidays, birthday off, Heritage Day, and paid volunteer time.
Family Support: Pet insurance and inclusive family-forming benefits including adoption assistance.
Education: Financial assistance for online degrees, tuition reimbursement, and access to Rosetta Stone.
Extra Perks: Yum Bucks for free Tillamook products, birthday gifts, employee discounts, and more. Learn more at www.tillamook.com/careers.
Join a team that values purpose, collaboration, and care—for each other and our communities. Learn
We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success. We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace. EEO
TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected