Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Food

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

We are seeking a skilled Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing our production processes, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of our food products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production Operations, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Reliability Engineering, Controls Engineering, Process Excellence, and Supply Chain, to drive continuous improvement, maintain product quality, and enhance overall production performance. Your role will encompass equipment optimization, improving process capability, process step-to-step enhancement, FMEA, risk reduction, and close collaboration with various teams.

What you'll do:

• Lead the manufacturing engineering program for a product sub-category by working collaboratively across the business and within the engineering complex.

• Play an active role in developing and driving engineering strategy around capability, capacity, and optimization that align with organizational priorities.

• Guide, mentor, and train manufacturing engineers in the mastery of manufacturing engineering tools, methodologies, and skills.

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify areas for improvement in efficiency, productivity, process capability, risk, and cost reduction.

• Design and implement improvements to enhance yield, reduce waste, increase throughput, improve cycle times, reduce bottlenecks, and streamline operations while maintaining strict adherence to food safety and quality standards.

• Collaborate with Process Excellence and Data Science/Analytics teams to leverage data for process optimization.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to scale up new products from concept to production, ensuring seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.

• Partner with Maintenance and Reliability Engineering to ensure equipment uptime and reliability as well as integrate predictive maintenance strategies.

• Lead or assist in the development of new equipment installations or modifications, from concept to commissioning, with a focus on maximizing output, minimizing downtime, and reducing operational risk.

• Utilize data analysis and statistical techniques to identify bottlenecks, process variability, and areas for improvement in production processes.

• Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to proactively identify potential failure points, risks, and weaknesses in processes and equipment.

• Define and own manufacturing process control plans. Set up in-process measurement systems and complete GR&R activities to ensure effectiveness.

• Perform process capability studies to predict manufacturing process trends to meet customer specifications and create stability in day-to-day operations.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Participate in the selection and evaluation of equipment, tools, and materials to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Assist Process Excellence Engineering team in championing Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain product quality and safety.

• Collaborate with Controls Engineering to optimize and leverage automation and digitalization.

• Maintain accurate documentation, including process manuals, standard operating procedures, and equipment specifications.

• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Food Quality Plans and customer requirements.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, Chemical, or any engineering-related field). A Master's degree is a plus but not required.

• 8 years of Engineering experience.

• Experience within the food industry or a related field is a plus but not required.

• A strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality management systems (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA) is required or the ability to learn this space.

• Project management experience is a plus.

• Collaborative approach and excellent communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to travel approximately 10%.

Eligible partners will receive:

• Up to $5,000 annually to help with the cost of childcare.

• Two retirement benefits: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from day one and an 8% 401(k) match into the ESOP.

• Bonus pay twice a year when company goals are met.

• Up to $1,200 for your health savings account each year and reimbursement for fitness memberships, equipment, or classes.

• Tuition reimbursement to support further education.

• Access to medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits starting day one.

• Onsite nurse and mental health counselor.

• The opportunity to be part of "Partners Helping Partners," a program organized to help colleagues in times of need.