Manufacturing Engineer
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting and optimizing manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems within an industrial bakery environment. While this role has a strong foundation in day-to-day manufacturing engineering, it also encompasses packaging line support and project engineering responsibilities. The engineer will drive continuous improvement, lead cross-functional projects, and partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective production solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Support day-to-day operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of manufacturing and packaging equipment across production lines.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance line efficiency, reduce waste, improve changeover times, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Lead and support engineering projects including equipment upgrades, line modifications, process changes, and capital improvements from concept through commissioning.
- Apply continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to drive measurable performance gains across manufacturing operations.
- Make mechanical, process, and parameter adjustments to packaging equipment to accommodate different materials, formats, and product sizes.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to troubleshoot manufacturing and packaging issues and implement sustainable solutions.
- Support new product introductions and customer-specific requirements, including line trials, validation, and documentation.
- Assist with quoting and feasibility assessments for new products or process configurations by providing technical input, cost estimates, and line capability evaluations.
- Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, specifications, and operational training materials.
- Support equipment commissioning, testing, and validation for manufacturing and packaging systems.
- Analyze production and performance data, conduct root cause analysis, and recommend data-driven improvements.
- Ensure manufacturing and packaging solutions comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging, or related field).
- 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; food or bakery experience preferred.
- Hands-on experience supporting and improving manufacturing or packaging equipment and processes.
- Demonstrated experience leading or supporting engineering projects from initiation through completion.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work directly on the production floor.
- Experience with continuous improvement practices and manufacturing engineering principles.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in food or bakery manufacturing.
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies (certification a plus).
- Experience with packaging materials, formats, and high-speed packaging line support.
- Knowledge of automation, controls, or equipment supplier relationships.
- Experience supporting customer quotes or cost modeling for process or packaging changes.