Experience:

Senior Level Salary:

$90,000 - $125,000 per year Job Details - Position Overview We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to improve the safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and cost performance of our food-manufacturing operations. This individual will use Lean Six Sigma methodologies, production data, and direct plant-floor observation to identify process constraints, determine root causes, and implement sustainable improvements. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead continuous-improvement projects involving production flow, equipment utilization, changeovers, labor efficiency, material waste, downtime, yield, and OEE. This is not a purely analytical position. The successful candidate will spend significant time on the production floor, working alongside operators, supervisors, maintenance technicians, quality personnel, and plant leadership to convert data into practical operational improvements. Key Responsibilities and Duties Identify and lead Lean Six Sigma projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, throughput, and overall operational performance. Apply DMAIC and other structured problem-solving methodologies to manufacturing challenges. Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, recurring losses, excessive downtime, quality issues, waste, and process variation. Improve manufacturing processes involving mixing, filling, packaging, material flow, changeovers, sanitation, and production scheduling. Track and improve key performance indicators, including OEE, yield, scrap, downtime, cycle time, labor efficiency, and first-pass quality. Conduct time studies, process observations, workflow analysis, capacity studies, and production-line balancing. Lead Kaizen events, value-stream mapping, 5S initiatives, standard-work development, and waste-reduction projects. Facilitate root-cause analysis using tools such as fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, Pareto analysis, process mapping, and statistical analysis. Partner with production and maintenance teams to increase equipment availability and reduce recurring downtime. Develop and document standard work, process controls, operating procedures, and performance expectations. Help reduce setup and changeover times through SMED principles and standardized procedures. Evaluate manufacturing layouts, material movement, workstation design, and production flow. Support process validation, capability analysis, and control-plan development. Establish baseline performance, quantify project opportunities, and verify improvement results. Create dashboards, project reports, and presentations communicating findings, financial impact, and project progress. Train and coach employees on Lean principles, problem-solving tools, standard work, and continuous-improvement practices. Work with plant leadership to prioritize improvement projects based on operational and financial impact. Support new equipment, production-line modifications, product introductions, and capital-improvement initiatives. Ensure process improvements comply with food-safety, quality, sanitation, employee-safety, and regulatory requirements. Establish controls and follow-up procedures that prevent processes from returning to previous performance levels.

Qualifications Needed:

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing engineering, process engineering, operational excellence, or continuous-improvement experience. Current Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from a recognized training or certification program. Demonstrated experience leading completed Lean Six Sigma or continuous-improvement projects within a manufacturing environment. Practical experience applying DMAIC, Kaizen, 5S, value-stream mapping, standard work, root-cause analysis, and process mapping. Experience using production data to improve measurable operational results. Working knowledge of OEE, downtime reduction, waste elimination, yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, and labor optimization. Ability to conduct time studies, capacity analysis, workflow evaluation, and production-line balancing. Experience developing and implementing standard work and process controls. Proven ability to take improvement projects from problem definition through implementation, validation, and sustainment. Willingness to work directly on the production floor and engage operators, technicians, supervisors, and plant leadership. Ability to work 1st shift from 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Strongly Preferred Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Experience within food, beverage, dairy, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, or another regulated manufacturing environment. Experience leading cross-functional DMAIC projects with documented financial or operational savings. Knowledge of statistical process control, process capability, control charts, DOE, or other statistical methods. Experience using Minitab or comparable statistical-analysis software. Experience improving automated production, filling, packaging, conveying, or material-handling processes. Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and quality-management requirements. Experience supporting capital projects, equipment installations, process validation, or new product introductions.

A bit about us:

- Founded nearly four decades ago and based in Delphos, Ohio, we are a growing manufacturer of refrigerated dips, desserts, yoghurt, salsa, and specialty foods sold in grocery stores nationwide. Originally established in 1988, we have grown from a small local operation into a portfolio of nationally recognized refrigerated brands while maintaining our commitment to quality, consistency, and thoughtful innovation. Our products are made with simple ingredients and modern standards, with a focus on creating fresh foods built for real life—not extended shelf life. Why join us? -

High-Impact Role:

Lead projects that directly improve throughput, quality, waste, downtime, labor efficiency, and production costs.

Lean Six Sigma Ownership:

Apply formal continuous-improvement tools to real manufacturing challenges.

Visible Results:

Work directly with plant leadership and production teams to implement and sustain measurable improvements. Stable 1st-

Shift Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Growing Food Manufacturer:

Join an established company with nearly four decades of manufacturing experience and a growing portfolio of refrigerated brands.

Cross-Functional Exposure:

Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, sanitation, and supply chain.

Career Development:

Expand your Lean Six Sigma experience across production lines, processes, and future capital projects. #engineering #six-sigma #process-improvement #kaizen #continuous-improvement #lean-manufacturing #manufacturing-engineering #oee #root-cause-analysis #process-optimization #tier1