• Job Description

  Req#: REF4391E

  Company Description

  Company Description

  As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.
  Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.
  In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 11 000 people in more than 50 countries.
  Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 3 billion euros.

  Job Description

  About Cedar Rapids, Iowa:

  Welcome to the heart of the Midwest!
  Cedar Rapids offers a vibrant community, affordable living, beautiful nature spots, and a warm, welcoming vibe — perfect for your first international experience !

  Lesaffre Corporation has large expansion ambitions in the coming two years and beyond on several of its facilities, both in Cedar Rapids and Dothan. These large projects create a good opportunity to recruit, train, and develop young, mobile talent.

  You'll be involved in various engineering projects, including:

  • New yeast and microorganism facilities & capabilities
  • Industrial infrastructure upgrades (new equipment)

  Your responsibilities will include:

  • Project management, overseeing budgets, timelines, and contractors
  • Leading startup activities
  • Participating in greenfield projects

  You'll be based in Cedar Rapids, with potential travel to Dothan.

  Qualifications

  Who we’re looking for
  Master's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering
  Prior experience managing industrial projects in a food, pharmaceutical, or chemical facility (preferred)

  Your skills
  Advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
  Ability to read and develop technical drawings (PFD, PID)
  Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar software and spreadsheets
  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  Field engineer mindset, with the ability to follow contractors on-site and supervise startups and commissioning

  Additional Information

  Why choose this VIE?
  Gain valuable international experience in the USA
  Work on strategic projects
  Develop your career in an industrial environment with high-impact
  Join an amazing community (Our plants are welcoming 5 to 6 VIEs)
  VIE status = tax benefits and an attractive package
  ✈️ 1 round-trip to home covered during your assignment (economy class)

  Mission details
  Location: Cedar Rapids - USA (Iowa)
  ⏳ Duration: 18 months
  Start: Q1 2026
  Status: VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise)

  Recruitment process:
  1️⃣ Screening call 2️⃣ Interview with your future manager and a local HR manager 3️⃣ Final interview with Group technical expert Offer!

  And after the VIE?

  We don’t just hire for 18 months — we hire for potential
  Our ambition is to offer you a long-term role after the VIE, either in France, or elsewhere in our global Lesaffre world

  Join us and grow globally

  At Lesaffre, VIEs are future leaders. We aim to hire and promote VIE talents across our global network. Your journey starts here – but it doesn’t end here!

  
  [Diversity & Inclusion]: At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.

  Ready to take on this challenge? Apply now and let's embark on this incredible journey together!

• About the company

  As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for baking, food taste & pleasure, health care and biotechnology.

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