Process Engineer

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluate pasta manufacturing processes and implement improvements to enhance production efficiency, product quality, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety.
• Use data from production lines, schedules, and methods to forecast future needs and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze and optimize workflows, equipment layout, and space utilization to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, environmental, and occupational regulations.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Monitor and analyze environmental controls on systems using tools and sensors; apply real time data to make production adjustments.
• Develop and maintain optimized operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Maintenance on preventative and predictive maintenance programs; provide technical expertise during maintenance activities.
• Design and implement technical training programs for production staff.
• Partner with Engineering, Sales, and Vendors to test and optimize recipes for efficiency in raw material, energy, and labor usage.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, food safety, quality, productivity, and sanitation. • Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process-related issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• 7+ years of experience in a plant or process engineering role within a food manufacturing environment, preferably pasta or dry goods.
• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, food science, or a related field is a plus.
• Lean manufacturing certification or experience is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with food-grade equipment selection, installation, and maintenance.
• Self-motivated with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-output environment.
• Proven ability to lead projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build trust across departments.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills aligned with plant goals.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting production data and presenting actionable insights.
• Proficient in writing technical documentation, SOPs, and reports.
• Effective communicator with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar design software for layout planning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience with root cause analysis and troubleshooting production issues.
• Familiarity with advanced Microsoft Excel functions (e.g., PivotTables, VLOOKUP, Macros) and Microsoft Access.
• Experience designing and deploying training programs for frontline production roles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Previous experience in a pasta manufacturing environment is a strong plus. Physical Requirements: Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Navigate and perform tasks in a food manufacturing environment, including walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Work in environments that may be hot, humid, dusty, or noisy.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Perform repetitive hand movements for extended periods.
• Communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken.
• Safely ascend and descend ladders.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).