Job Description

Manager of Engineering and Process Improvement

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

Are you a hands-on engineering leader who thrives on improving processes and seeing the direct impact of your work? 

As Manager of Engineering and Process Improvement, you’ll have the opportunity to own and transform our process technology and investments in our manufacturing footprint of our dynamic dehydration operation producing garlic, onions, and parsley.  You will be driving initiatives that boost yield, enhance product quality, and reduce energy costs. You’ll be empowered to build scalable systems, build and lead a high performing team of likeminded process and capital engineers.  You will be able to implement innovative solutions, lead continuous improvement efforts, and make a measurable difference in operational performance, all while ensuring top-tier food safety standards. If you’re motivated by visible results, and the chance to shape how a facility performs, this role puts you in the driver’s seat.

This opportunity is 100% on site based in Livingston, California 

What you’ll do:

• Lead engineering  across all dehydration processes while improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and executing capital projects like automation and plant upgrades 
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma to increase yield, optimize cycle times and drying parameters, and leverage KPIs (OEE, throughput, moisture control) for data-driven decisions
• Own and Optimize  end to end process improvement and investments. 
• Ensure quality and food safety excellence by maintaining compliance with HACCP, GMP, and FSMA standards, partnering with QA, and leading root cause analysis for any production or quality issues 
• Champion efficiency and team leadership by reducing energy and water usage, minimizing waste, and leading an engineering team of process and project engineers. . 

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Agricultural, or Food Engineering 
• 7–12+ years of experience in food processing, preferably dehydration or similar 
• Strong understanding of drying technologies 
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma 
• Familiarity with food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP, FSMA) 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to build and engineer a future-ready agricultural production operation.
• A leadership role where technical judgment and on-the-ground execution matter more than presentations.
• A fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with meaningful ownership and impact.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and long-term growth opportunity.

About Sensient: 

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

• The Sensient Agricultural Ingredients group is part of Sensient Flavors & Extracts Group and is one of the largest producers and distributors of dehydrated onion and garlic products as well as chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery and spinach. These ingredients are used in many of today's popular convenience foods. The Agricultural Ingredients business has sites located in Turlock and Livingston California and Deming, New Mexico.

The salary range for this position is $175,000 - $190,000 USD.  Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions.  In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.  This position is also eligible for performance-based  management incentive.

• SPONSORSHIP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship. 

• RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at Livingston, California) and must reside in area or be willing to commute. 

• THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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