Manufacturing Process Engineer - Gummy Ops

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Full Time Professional Tampa, FL, US

3 days ago Requisition

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Process Engineer
- Gummy Operations to drive technical process optimization, own first-time production runs, and support equipment reliability across our gummy manufacturing facility. This individual contributor role bridges practical engineering tasks with real-world floor execution. You will serve as the primary process owner for new product introductions (NPI), establishing baseline manufacturing parameters for new gummy formulations, troubleshooting machine-to-formulation challenges, and training line technicians on validated standard operating procedures.

Operating without direct supervisory or personnel management duties, this position allows a technical expert to focus 100% on process optimization, hands-on mechanical adjustments, yield improvement, and operator training.

Key Responsibilities

• First-Time Run & NPI Process Ownership: Serve as the technical engineering owner for first-time gummy production runs, establishing and validating optimal operating parameters (cooking temperatures, brix/viscosity levels, deposit rates, mold release, and gelation/curing times) for new product formulations.
• Process Engineering & Yield Optimization: Analyze line throughput, map production workflows, evaluate scrap rates, and implement targeted technical solutions to improve deposit accuracy, reduce yield losses, and streamline line changeover times.
• Line Setup, Calibration & Troubleshooting: Perform hands-on mechanical setup, equipment integration, precision calibration, tooling changeovers, and continuous process troubleshooting on automated gummy cookers, depositors, oiling/sugaring drums, and high-speed packaging equipment.
• Operator Technical Training & SOP Development: Translate complex process engineering parameters into clear, practical work instructions and act as the lead floor trainer - coaching technicians and operators on machine setup, routine mechanical adjustments, inline quality testing, and equipment safety.
• Compounding & Scale-Up Execution: Oversee and execute batch compounding, liquid/powder blending, and ingredient additions for complex nutraceutical and functional gummy recipes, ensuring smooth scale-up from pilot trials to full-scale commercial manufacturing runs.
• Regulatory Compliance & cGMP Alignment: Ensure all machine setups, engineering process changes, batch operations, and training materials adhere to strict FDA regulations, cGMP guidelines, and plant sanitation requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  5+ years of practical engineering or senior technical experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments (nutraceuticals, Dietary Supplements, CBD, or cosmetics).
• Gummy Process Expertise: Deep hands-on technical background operating, calibrating, setting up, and troubleshooting automated gummy production lines, with proven success scaling new formulations into production runs.
• Mechanical & Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong mechanical aptitude, experience performing equipment maintenance/buildout, and strong hands-on capability in industrial batch compounding and blending.
• Training & Technical Mentorship: Proven ability to train, mentor, and transfer technical machinery skills to floor operators, with strong written skills for drafting work instructions and troubleshooting guides.
• Education & Training: High school diploma, technical machinery training certificates, trade certification, or equivalent practical engineering experience.