Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Overview

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS

Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the foodservice industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

 

ABOUT THE JOB

The CI Engineer Sr. will serve as a technical leader, driving performance improvements, loss elimination, and sustainable productivity in a manufacturing environment. This role plays a key part in building and executing strategic initiatives aligned with TPM methodologies and a Zero Loss Culture, ensuring operational excellence, capacity optimization, and robust system reliability.

 

This position leads technical capability development and problem-solving efforts while directly supporting frontline teams in achieving safety, quality, and performance objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in engineering principles, continuous improvement techniques, and a passion for driving cultural change.

 

 

 

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Technical Leadership & Performance Improvement

• Lead technical initiatives to eliminate process and equipment losses through data-driven analysis and root cause problem-solving.
• Ensure robust system reliability by implementing TPM strategies and improving base condition of equipment and processes.
• Champion the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to optimize operational efficiency.

Capability Building & Coaching

• Coach frontline and cross-functional teams on Daily Management Systems (DMS), including Centerlining (CL), First Pass Quality (FPQ), and Clean Inspect Lubricate (CIL).
• Serve as a technical coach on problem-solving tools such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and SPC, building autonomous team capability.
• Develop and implement training and standard work to elevate team proficiency and adherence to equipment/process standards.

Loss Elimination & Continuous Improvement

• Own and maintain loss trees, capability glide paths, and system-level KPIs to identify, prioritize, and eliminate chronic losses.
• Lead rapid changeover improvement efforts to reduce planned downtime and enhance asset flexibility.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, FSQ, and Operations leaders to drive integrated improvement strategies across systems.

Capital & Innovation Projects

• Provide early technical input for capital planning, product commercialization, and new equipment commissioning.
• Lead technical transfer of new initiatives from R&D to plant operations, ensuring capability and quality readiness.

Data Systems & Analysis

• Own data integrity for assigned systems, applying statistical tools and capacity analysis to support decisions and unlock new opportunities.
• Lead efforts to build and sustain digital systems to track, visualize, and respond to performance deviations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field)
• Minimum 5–7 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated success in driving technical performance improvements and loss elimination
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, continuous improvement methodologies, and engineering fundamentals
• Proven leadership in coaching cross-functional teams and frontline associates

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturing
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification; Statistical Process Control (SPC) expertise
• Experience leading TPM deployment or working within an Integrated Work System (IWS)
• Advanced understanding of system center lining, rapid changeover optimization, and quality systems

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Project management concepts and techniques (E)
• PC word processing/spreadsheet/presentation/database software (J)
• Proficiency in Lean/TPM and IWS methodologies and technical training best practices (E)
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and project management skills. (E)

 Skill and ability to:

• Strategic mindset with tactic