Process Optimization Engineer

Process Optimization Engineer

The Process Optimization Engineer leads manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement projects to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product performance across a large food manufacturing network. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, execute process improvements, and support implementation across multiple manufacturing facilities. The position requires deep experience in food manufacturing, strong process troubleshooting skills, and proven expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement projects focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and product performance enhancement.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, and R&D teams to identify process improvement opportunities and define project priorities.
• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, variation, and inefficiencies, and develop data-driven solutions to address them.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to design, implement, and sustain process improvements across multiple facilities.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing issues and drive long-term corrective and preventive actions.
• Use statistical tools such as Minitab to perform data analysis, validate process changes, and quantify performance improvements.
• Lead process validation activities to ensure new or improved processes meet operational, quality, and safety requirements.
• Drive operational efficiency improvements through structured problem-solving, standardization, and best practice sharing.
• Collaborate with plant teams on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot equipment and process issues in real time.
• Manage and deliver projects on time and within scope, ensuring measurable business results and cost savings.
• Provide hands-on support in plant operations, pilot plant, and laboratory environments to test, refine, and implement process changes.
• Engage cross-functional stakeholders, communicate project status and results, and ensure alignment on improvement initiatives.
• Support manufacturing transformation efforts, including process innovation, waste reduction, and operational excellence programs.
• Work independently to lead initiatives, prioritize tasks, and maintain accountability for project outcomes.

Essential Skills

• 5–8+ years of manufacturing process optimization experience.
• Strong background in food manufacturing, with confectionery experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing process engineering and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering manufacturing projects with measurable results.
• Experience in manufacturing troubleshooting and process improvement in plant environments.
• Ability to perform statistical data analysis using tools such as Minitab.
• Experience with process validation and implementing operational efficiency improvements.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex process data.
• Ability to work independently, lead initiatives, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working across multiple manufacturing sites or large-scale manufacturing networks.
• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, and R&D.
• Experience in process innovation, waste reduction, and operational excellence programs.
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments with multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage priorities across different plants and initiatives.

Work Environment

This role operates in a mix of office, manufacturing, pilot…