Job Description

About Kari-Out®

Kari-Out® supports food on the go with a diverse portfolio of products for the food service industry, including packaging, tableware, sauces, wipes, and ingredients. Since the 1970s, we have earned a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability, serving both independent operators and national food service distributors.

Founded in 1964, Kari-Out is a family-owned company with decades of expertise in food production and takeout packaging. Today, we employ hundreds of team members across multiple locations nationwide, operating within more than 1 million square feet of space.

As we continue to grow, Kari-Out® remains committed to innovation, product excellence, and building strong partnerships. Our success is driven by our people and our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that values innovation and customer success, we encourage you to apply.

About the Role

We are currently seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join our team at our sauce manufacturing facility in Totowa, New Jersey.

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for analyzing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve product quality, and ensure a safe working environment. This role partners across the organization to drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimize manufacturing processes, and support operational excellence.  

This is a non-exempt position with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Key Responsibilities

• Confer with equipment vendors and solicit observations from operators.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and output. 
• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies. 
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing issues.
• Support new equipment installations, process validations, and production line improvement.
• Assist with cost reduction initiatives through process optimization and waste elimination. 
• Spend a significant amount of time on production floor to design and implement ways to improve equipment up time.
• Develop manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; conferring with equipment vendors.
• Keep equipment operational by coordinating preventive maintenance and repair services; following manufacturer's instructions and established procedures; requesting special service.
• Lead projects as assigned by management to include; design and development; determining required resources; leading executing; data analysis to ensure results are aligned with project specifications.
• Complete design and development projects by training and guiding technicians.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Strong ability to multi-task by executing and overseeing multiple projects simultaneously 

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-3 years of hands-onexperience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or relate engineering discipline. 
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies. 
• Project Management experience required.
• Experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or consumer products.
• CAD, Proficiency in SolidWorks strongly preferred 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Lean Training and/or Six Sigma experience/certifications highly desired
• Highly experienced at managing multiple projects.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Wellness Program
• Voluntary benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off