Darigold is seeking a Process Optimization Engineer. This position will work cross-functionally with Plant Operations, Continuous Improvement, Quality, and Corporate Engineering to drive waste reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives. The Process Optimization Engineer is responsible for eliminating process losses by equipment improvement, operational standardization, technical training, and problem solving.

In this role, you will play an influential leadership role in identifying improvement opportunities and executing projects to drive tangible results. The ideal candidate for this role will have at least 5 years of progressive experience in the food ingredients or CPG industries; and has had exposure to food manufacturing/processing. You will get the opportunity to be the hands-on project manager in a highly visible space. You will have to have a keen eye for detail and be a great communicator. The successful candidate will have a great attitude and the ability to flex your style and connect with a diverse group of people.

What You Will Do

• Identify, prioritize, and eliminate process losses.
  • Possess working knowledge of common methods to define problems, identify gaps in performance, gather supporting data, design solutions, implement improvements, measure results, and sustain results.
  • Design, implement and maintain systems to collect and analyze data for critical product and process parameters to identify process losses.
  • Collaborate with line management to prioritize improvement opportunities.
  • Eliminate or reduce (prioritized) losses through process or work system changes.
• Define equipment operating standards.
  • Lead and coach process benchmarking & reapplication.
  • Standardize equipment and work processes.
  • Use Reliability Engineering tools to drive center lining and loss elimination.
  • Standardize and improve changeovers and Clean in Place (CIP) activities.
  • Serve as a change agent to challenge existing processes in place. Use data to communicate and support the opportunities that exist.
  • Update process control strategies and operating procedures as changes occur.
  • Collaborate with Line Leaders and line team (frontline workers) to develop new standards.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to evaluate financial and operational impact regarding process improvement opportunities.
• Coach and collaborate with the line teams and site and regional equipment or process owners to upskill at all levels of the organization.
  • Prepare and give training on process/equipment changes.
  • Become a technical expert for a designated process.
  • Direct and coach the change management & validation processes.
  • Own the Change Management (CM) system for designated processes.
  • Share and reapply learning across processes, modules, and plants.
  • Lead, build and coach the capability of process failure technical troubleshooting.
• Responsible for managing both capital and process improvement projects to ensure desired results are met within the budgeted time and cost.
• Provide feedback to design (materials & product initiatives) and lead smart standardization deployment.
• Develop self through participating in corporate and external training.
• This position requires the ability to adjust schedule to support 24/7 manufacturing operations, which may include working overtime, graveyard shift and/or weekends as needed.
• Ensures adherence to safety standards and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Other duties may be assigned.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree: Engineering, Food Science, Operations
• 3-5 years of operations engineering experience with progressive levels of responsibilities

Nice to Have’s

• Master’s degree: Engineering
• 5 years of experience
• Lean Six Sigma Green and/or Black Belt
• Experience using Lean Continuous Improvement tools to identify opportunities and drive improvement.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to identify problems, draw conclusions, and make recommended solutions. Forthright about opinions and recommendations.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills. Detail oriented and ability to meet deadlines working independently. Ability to handle multiple assignments, sometimes under tight deadlines.
• Develop positive, collaborative working relationships with internal and external customers, vendors, and stakeholders. Effectively lead cross-functional teams. Fundamental skills in influencing and persuasion.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.
• Self-motivated and self-directed, with a high sense of urgency. Ability to prioritize and multitask. Ability to work in a fluid environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Overall strong computer skills and an ability to learn new programs rapidly.

Benefits of Working at Darigold

We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We’re proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package – that includes:

• Employer 401K contribution of up to 9%
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Employer paid life & disability coverage.
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 8 weeks paid parental leave.
• Education assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible working arrangement where applies (up to 2 days/week after initial 90 days and approval by hiring manager and HR)
• Community giving through matching donations.
• Compensation range: $106,187.00-$159,280.00 (individual wage based on previous experience, knowledge, and skills)
• Relocation Assistance

Our Commitment to Diversity

Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment applicants offered a role will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.