Job Description

Position Title: Manufacturing Systems Engineer – Processing

Overview:

We’re seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer – Processing to drive continuous improvement and provide technical expertise across our processing operations. This role plays a vital part in improving productivity, ensuring quality control, supporting formulation development, and offering hands-on troubleshooting and training for our plant manufacturing team.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and validate unit operations and process modifications to maintain product identity and performance.

• Plan and lead major processing trials in coordination with operations staff; compile trial results and collaborate with Quality Control (QC) and R&D teams.

• Analyze in-process and final product samples to identify improvement opportunities; coordinate trials, validations, and special sample requests.

• Champion metric-driven improvements in yield and system capabilities.

Product & Formulation Management

• Maintain and publish updates to product formulations for cottage cheese, sour cream, and related streams.

• Work closely with R&D, QC, and Technical Services on formulation changes and evaluations.

• Calculate and communicate expected nutritional adjustments related to formulation or ingredient changes.

• Support and optimize product formulation tracking programs.

Technical Operations Support

• Act as a subject matter expert for plant teams across Processing, QC, Packaging, Sanitation, and Maintenance.

• Develop and conduct benchtop trials to resolve processing or quality challenges.

• Analyze plant data (LIMS and production logs) to identify trends and solve operational issues.

• Facilitate product grading and feedback loops between Technical Services, R&D, and plant personnel.

• Prepare and distribute technical reports to enhance team awareness and continuous learning.

Scope & Authority

The Manufacturing Systems Engineer – Processing is responsible for ensuring all contractors/vendors under their supervision are trained in food safety, quality, and personal safety protocols. While operational staff are accountable for their roles, this position upholds leadership, integrity, and technical oversight.

This role also holds the authority to implement immediate corrective actions for food safety or quality concerns and must escalate issues to relevant plant leadership when necessary. A qualified delegate will cover responsibilities during absences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related scientific/engineering field.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the food and beverage industry, with preference for dairy experience.

• Process improvement certifications (e.g., Six Sigma) strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to bend, lift, twist, and stand for extended periods.

• Will work in varied manufacturing environments, including noise (requiring hearing protection) and temperature fluctuations.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.

• Passionate about continuous improvement, statistics, and process optimization.

• Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Proactive, independent, and detail-oriented, with strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.

• Skilled in using data analysis tools to inform decisions and drive improvements.

You should be proficient in:

• Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis