Manufacturing Engineer

Graceland Fruit•Frankfort, KY

About The Position

This position is responsible for the design, operation, control, and optimization of manufacturing processes that result in increased operational quality, productivity and reliability. Deliverables include increased product yields and processing equipment utilization while reducing customer concerns, processing downtime and process waste. The role involves managing capital equipment projects from scope development to final commissioning, working with the Controls Department to increase reliability, improve up-time, lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement projects, and improve process and control strategies across manufacturing processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing systems along with 5 years of experience in manufacturing, controls or process engineering (food experience desired) or equivalent experience education and experience.
Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM concepts).
Strong data analysis capabilities and skills (Excel required, experience with Power BI, Amazon QuickStart).
Proficient with the use of AutoCad (2D).
Excellent interpersonal, computer and communications skills (both verbal and written).
Be a self-starter who works with a sense of urgency and acts as a good team player working with other disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Food Industry and HACCP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and improve manufacturing methods to maximize yield, equipment up-time and quality.
Identify performance, trends, and corrective actions based on product quality and customer feedback.
Lead root cause analysis on process and controls issues using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone, fault tree).
Develop and oversee process control methods to ensure product quality and conformity to our standards.
Maintain and improve process Setup Specifications for manufacturing and packaging processes.
Document continuous improvement efforts for new/revised processes (process flow, work instructions, plant layouts, etc.).
Work with suppliers to specify requirements, design, and fabricate manufacturing equipment to meet our process requirements.
Lead capital projects, focusing on safety, equipment performance, design, reliability, and maintainability standards.
Function as a process expert and member of the core HACCP Team.
Lead and participate as a team member of Kaizen Projects.
Other duties as assigned.