Process Engineer

Location: Waterloo

Grand River Foods is a leading food solutions company serving customers in the North American grocery and food service industry. As a member of the Sunrise Farm family, we remain as dedicated as ever to both providing a quality work environment for our employees, as well as producing only the highest quality products for our customers. We are known for the great care we take with clients and employees alike.
Position Summary: The Process Engineer is responsible for maximizing efficiency and standardization across the production process by applying expertise in product development and process optimization. This role requires a collaborative, customer-focused approach and plays a key part in developing and refining manufacturing processes throughout the Further Processing operation.
PRIORITY: Leverage strong communication and project management capabilities to lead the optimization of activities throughout the commercialization lifecycle for both new and existing products. Collaborate cross-functionally with departments including Sales, Production, Scheduling, Procurement, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs, as well as with external suppliers and customers. Champion initiatives that enhance productivity, streamline manufacturing processes, and drive cost efficiencies across the Further Processing Division.

This role is well-suited for a proactive problem-solver with expertise in Lean Manufacturing and a proven ability to foster cross-functional collaboration.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and optimize continuous production and manufacturing processes to achieve the output, quality, and cost goals of the organization.

Apply Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 5S principles to improve plant productivity and process efficiency.

Actively develop and manage cost-reduction projects.

Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies and process enhancements.

Lead and manage capital investment projects related to processing equipment and plant optimization.

Collaborate with corporate and plant departments (Sales, Finance, Planning, Production, R&D, etc.) to optimize manufacturing processes, increase throughputs and achieve cost savings.

Analyze performance metrics and KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement.

Serve as functional lead for process optimization using statistical data, including performing design of experiments on the production line and the development of functional process control models.

Identify process bottlenecks and devise solutions to resolve issues and improve processes.

Collect production data and apply standard scientific and statistical methods to analyze, document, and diagram production processes.

Assist with the introduction of new processes or equipment.

Identify equipment requirements to improve productivity and meet capacity increases as necessary.

Assist in initiation and implementation of the preparation of new or revised product specifications, process parameters, and procedures.

Work alongside cross-functional team members to facilitate new product trials and start-ups.

Evaluate new product trials/market samples through sampling and sensory appraisal.

Ensure compliance with HACCP, CFIA, OHS, and internal quality standards.

Collaborate with Health & Safety and Quality staff to ensure site manufacturing processes are safely designed, audited, and operated in accordance with policies and procedures.

Conduct process improvement training across relevant departments.

Coordinate technical documentation, analyze data, and prepare detailed reports.

Maintain and organize operational documents, including SOPs and Line Operating Standards.

Collect and interpret downtime data to determine root causes and recommend solutions.

Identify performance metrics to maintain/improve reliability across the plant.

REQUIRED SKILL,

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education in Food Science, Science, Engineering, Culinary, or related field.

Minimum 5-10 years of experience in Process and Product Development role in the food industry; meat industry experience preferred.

Project Management experience with the ability to utilize Gantt charts and Stage Gate processes.

Advanced knowledge of engineering concepts, practices, standards, and systems.

Experience implementing continuous improvement and best practice initiatives.

Experience with Lean Manufacturing processes (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, etc.).

Familiarity with HACCP, CFIA, and other quality standards/requirements.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to interact with and motivate a diverse group of people.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and facilitate change management.

Ability to analyze data, write reports, and present information.

Strong computer/technical skills including high proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Excellent customer service orientation and results-driven mindset.

Self-starter with a passion for product…