Process Engineer

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at  and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We’re eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef’s offerings.

The Process Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements across the Baltimore location. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to improve process efficiency, equipment reliability and adherence to standard work processes.

• Own improvements to portioning process automation between sprinter and leafy green machinery
• Build improvement plans around shipping accuracy and error reduction on all lines
• Partner with Operations to evaluate drop zone management process within meal bagging and portioning activities
• Own our Home Chef Operating system (HCOS) and drive improvement to each department pillar
• Develop, track and analyze key process performance indicators (KPIs), using data and on-floor observations to identify variability, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities impacting safety, quality, throughput and yield.
• Lead scoping & implementation of process improvements and updates to standard work, ensuring changes are practical, sustainable, and aligned with day-to-day operational activities.

• Maintain regular on-floor presence to observe process execution and assist with real-time troubleshooting of automation processes.
• Coach machine operators, leads, and supervisors on proper process execution and equipment operation, reinforcing adherence to standard work and expected performance standards.
• Develop, update, and deliver training materials tied to standard work to build operator capability and support sustained process improvements.

• Serve as a key liaison between plant operations and cross-functional partners, including maintenance, engineering, and corporate CI teams to communicate process needs, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Support process trials, new product trials, and process or equipment changes.

This position requires 10% travel.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred; strong candidates may have experience in supply chain, plant operations, or operational excellence roles.
• Experience supporting and improving automated machinery, with a working understanding of mechanical systems, controls interactions, and equipment operating parameters. Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to drive results, manage conflict, build alignment, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and with external partners. Strong project management skills, with experience prioritizing multiple work streams and facilitating structured problem-solving among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using Excel to analyze data, build models, and clearly communicate insights to partners.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and a can-do mindset, focused on finding solutions and enabling progress rather than identifying obstacles. Demonstrated willingness to take initiative, adapt to changing priorities, and take on…