Job Description

The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing manufacturing operations by efficiently, safely, and cost‑effectively transforming raw materials into finished Ready‑to‑Eat food products. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Food Safety, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to design, improve, and sustain production processes that meet business objectives while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and food safety requirements.

The Process Engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives, supports daily plant operations, and drives process standardization through robust documentation and training. This position plays a critical role in enhancing throughput, reducing waste, improving yields, and ensuring consistent, high‑quality production at CP Fresh.

Duties Include but are not limited to:

• Analyze, design, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, yield, and product quality while reducing waste, downtime, and defects
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing tools (e.g., standard work, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen)
• Manage and optimize recipe execution and process parameters to ensure consistent product outcomes in a Ready to Eat (RTE) environment
• Utilize production and quality data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), One‑Point Lessons (OPLs), work instructions, and training materials
• Partner with operations and training teams to ensure processes are clearly documented, effectively trained, and sustainably implemented
• Support audit readiness through accurate and controlled process documentation
• Design and support new or modified production lines, equipment layouts, and workflows to support growth, efficiency, and safety
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on equipment selection, process validation, and line commissioning
• Ensure new designs align with food safety, sanitation, ergonomics, and regulatory requirements
• Provide hands‑on technical support to operations by troubleshooting process, equipment, and workflow issues on the plant floor
• Assist with resolving production disruptions while maintaining daily production plans and schedules
• Work closely with maintenance to identify root causes of equipment or process failures and implement sustainable solutions
• Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with OSHA, FDA/USDA, SQF/HACCP, GMP, and internal CP Fresh standards
• Proactively identify and mitigate process risks related to employee safety, food safety, and quality
• Support internal and external audits, investigations, and corrective actions related to process performance
• Lead or support capital and process improvement projects, including feasibility studies, time studies, yield studies, and cost‑benefit analyses
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and cross‑functional coordination during equipment installation and process changes
• Support validation and startup activities to ensure successful implementation
• Evaluate labor requirements and staffing models to support production demand and operational efficiency
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to align labor plans with production schedules and business needs
• Identify opportunities to improve labor utilization through process and layout improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, chemical, or a related engineering discipline required
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in process engineering or a related role within a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience in Ready‑to‑Eat (RTE) food processing or food manufacturing strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of food manufacturing processes, including sanitation, allergen control, and process validation preferred
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production data analysis
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with strong data analysis and reporting skills
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Leadership teams
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on process discipline, compliance, and sustainability of improvements
• Comfortable balancing strategic improvement initiatives with hands‑on plant floor support

Additional Information

Supplemental Information

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

For additional protected privacy information please visit: Privacy Policy | Charlie's Produce (charliesproduce.com)

Charlie's Produce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is a safety-sensitive position.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

We do not provide H1-B sponsorships at this time.

Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state .

For additional protected privacy information please visit: Privacy Policy | Charlie's Produce (charliesproduce.com)

Charlie's Produce is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Visit our Employment Page for more details or to view our privacy center: https://www.charliesproduce.com/careers/

Recruiters - DO NOT CONTACT!