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Continuous Improvement Engineer

Ingredion · Bedford Park, IL · $84,400–$112,533 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a process study you led that changed how a plant operated.

What they are checking: Whether they have actually driven change on a production floor, not just recommended it.

Tell me about a time you trained people on a new tool or method. How did you know it stuck?

What they are checking: Whether their training creates real adoption, which the posting names as a core deliverable.

What would you do

Operators at Argo have seen improvement programs come and go. How do you get their buy-in?

What they are checking: Whether they can drive cultural change with respect for the people doing the work.

How would you build a project portfolio across safety, quality, delivery and cost when every area wants to go first?

What they are checking: Whether they can use gap analysis and plant targets to set priorities that leadership will support.

A project you led shows great early results, but three months later the gains are gone. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to build sustainment and audit routines into improvements.

About the work

What do you know about running a management system like the Ingredion Performance System, and how have you sustained one before?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that routines, dashboards and follow-up are what keep a CI system alive after launch.

How do you calculate OEE, and what would you do if a unit's OEE numbers looked too good to be true?

What they are checking: Whether they know the measure and question the data behind it rather than reporting it blindly.

Walk me through a root cause analysis you facilitated. What tools did you use and what did you find?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead structured problem solving instead of jumping to the first obvious cause.

How would you help a unit leadership team set a baseline and targets for its main KPIs?

What they are checking: Whether they can tie plant metrics to regional and financial goals in a believable way.

What does safety look like in your continuous improvement work at a large food manufacturing plant?

What they are checking: Whether they treat safety as part of every improvement, not a separate checklist.

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The full job description

As published by Ingredion.

Continuous Improvement Engineer Location: Bedford Park, IL. (Argo Plant) Reports to: Manager IPS Workplace type: On-Site As a Continuous Improvement Engineer , you will be part of a great team of Operations Excellence/Continuous Improvement and responsible for Leading the continuous improvement process, providing technical support including process studies, problem-solving, and process optimization. Lead the implementation, sustainability, and improvements of the unit level's Ingredion Performance System (IPS). What you will do: • Support implementing the CI/IPS management system and other CI/IPS related activities, while assuring the sustainability of Management System tools, like routine dashboards, OEE measurement, and other routine indicators. • Deliver Management System training that includes concepts, tools, and deliverables, to achieve awareness and facilitate CI/IPS adoption and cultural change. • Help establish a baseline of main KPIs and support the unit leadership team during the target setting according to regional, financial, and functional goals. • Maintain an improvement plan/project portfolio (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost Reduction, etc.) through gap analysis to recommend implementation process improvements to drive unit target achievement and organizational effectiveness. • Support diverse cost reduction, productivity enhancement, and Safety/Quality improvement targets for the plant (PDCA, LSS, Kaizen, etc.). • Support the plant team to achieve their Sustainability goals using CI tools • Evaluate new technologies and ideas and seek approval for new concepts to improve the efficiency and capability of the process, the safety of the facility, and improve product quality. • Help drive implementation of digital OEE system and reporting for the unit • Facilitate Kaizen events, Ideation workshops, RCA studies, and other CI activities that support plant performance enhancement. • Leverage analytical and problem-solving skills to support plant management in the identification of key success drivers and execution of improvement objectives. • Lead/act like a change agent to achieve continuous improvement and a focused culture, through collaboration with all business and functional units in the region to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives. • Work collaboratively with the Plant leaders to multiply knowledge in CI methodologies and act as a changing agent of the culture. • Support employee training in the proper application of Continuous Improvement and IPS concepts. • Coach and mentor plant teams/ individuals to ensure the successful completion of IPS implementation and CI activities What you will bring: Mandatory requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing engineering • Experience in Process/Industrial Engineering • Trained in Lean Manufacturing Practices, and SPC. • Demonstrated knowledge of engineering and unit operations relevant to the corn wet milling industry, such as basic chemistry, heat and mass balances, mechanics and physical/chemical separation, and energy management. • Strong knowledge of digital systems including OEE, integrated action tracking, and KPI reporting. • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft tools such as PowerApps, PowerBI, and Power Automate preferred Desirable requirements: • Experience working in and supporting lean management systems • Green Belt certification is desired but not required • Prefer at least 3 years of continuous improvement experience (more experience is desirable) • Experience implementing OEE, electronic paperwork, or other digital process improvement solutions. Who you are: • Demonstrated self-starter with strong leadership skills and a high degree of integrity. • Utilization of data and facts to articulate the need for change and build commitment from others. • Organization, prioritization, and decision-making. • Communicate effectively. • Ethics and corporate values. • Result-driven with urgency. • Deliver our strategy. • Proactive, innovative, and strong will to succeed. • High discipline in routine execution. 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. #LI-DR1 #LI-ONSITE #INDAG 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 disability—mental or physical—marital 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. Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey. Relocation Available: Yes, Within Country Pay Range: $84,400.00-$112,533.33 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 an competitive company match.

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