Sr. Process Engineer

Role Purpose:

The Senior Process Engineer will drive process optimization, continuous improvement and overall equipment efficiency (OEE) improvement programs at the line and equipment level. This position is expected to merge technical expertise together with leadership and collaboration skills to apply engineering best practices appropriately, streamline operations, improve productivity and solve complex engineering problems ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, quality, and innovation in snack production.

The incumbent will also lead capital expense improvement projects needs a blend of project management skills and strategic thinking to optimize manufacturing efficiency and execute high-value facility and equipment upgrades working closely with several internal functions and external equipment and service providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality for our lineup of better-for-you salty and savory snacks.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and management of facility and equipment capital projects, including budgeting, vendor selection, and installation of new processing technologies.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to boost productivity, improve manufacturing workflows, and optimize ingredient handling.
• Assess, procure, and validate new processing equipment tailored for snack production, ensuring seamless integration and performance.
• Ensure all process modifications meet FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF, and EH&S,standards while maintaining the integrity of better-for-you snack formulations.
• Work cross-functionally with Quality, R&D, EH&S, Production, and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and drive innovation.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks in capital projects and production processes.
• Provide guidance to maintenance engineers and production staff, fostering best practices in process optimization, safety, and project execution.
• Assure the company’s compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations related to purchasing and planning activities.
• Participate actively in safety, GMP compliance and quality assurance efforts.
• Additional duties as requested/assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field of engineering).
• 5–10 years of experience in process engineering within food manufacturing, ideally in snack production or CPG manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in leading small to mid-scale capital projects, including budgeting, procurement, and execution.
• Knowledge of food processing equipment, automation systems, and statistical process control.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance frameworks (FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF, OSHA, and EPA).
• Proven experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot snack manufacturing challenges, from ingredient handling to packaging optimization.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Expertise in manufacturing workflows, efficiency improvements, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to plan, execute, and oversee capital expense projects from concept to completion, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Strong understanding of food processing equipment, automation, and facility infrastructure improvements.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen methodologies to streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Skilled in financial analysis, cost estimation, and ROI calculations for capital investments.
• Ability to source, negotiate, and manage external partners for facility improvements.
• Capability to identify potential risks in manufacturing processes and capital projects, implementing strategies to minimize impact.
• Deep understanding of ingredient handling, processing methods, and packaging optimization.
• Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA, and industrial automation technologies for process efficiency.
• Expertise