Manufacturing Process and Packaging Engineer - Joplin, MO (Blue Buffalo)
About The Position
The Manufacturing Process and Packaging Engineer, internally called a System Engineer, provides technical leadership and serves as a system and product specialist. The role builds packaging and processing technical skills through hands-on work and is accountable for operational foundation systems across the platform to secure basic conditions and drive out losses. It supports continuous improvement by optimizing system performance and product quality while advancing productivity and capacity solutions. This is an entry-level role in the Manufacturing Process and Packaging Engineer career path. The initial focus is daily troubleshooting, problem solving, and on-the-floor activities that build understanding of theory of operations, 4M relationships, and product portfolios. The role requires significant time on the manufacturing floor and development through the System Engineering JTA. As equipment and technical knowledge grow, the engineer is expected to identify and execute performance improvements and loss-elimination solutions. The position leads food and human safety practices, builds team capability, owns process and operational foundation systems, and develops knowledge of manufacturing operations, data, and technology. It also provides backup support as needed to promote business continuity and operational efficiency. The position is based in Joplin, Missouri, at Blue Buffalo. International relocation and international remote-work arrangements outside the United States are not considered. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; General Mills will not sponsor work visas.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a related degree with applicable experience, or extensive relevant work experience.
- At least 1 year of related experience.
- Knowledge of the theory and functionality of manufacturing systems and unit operations.
- Experience analyzing data and manufacturing performance metrics.
- Consumer products or process industry experience.
- Food science or process/packaging science experience.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis and analytical methods.
- Mechanical aptitude.
- Knowledge of general engineering principles.
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
- Success driving results through process and teamwork.
- Proven success reducing losses and improving performance in a manufacturing setting.
- Demonstrated technical capability and knowledge of unit operations and manufacturing machinery.
- Ability to communicate across work groups, cross-functional resources, plant teams, and corporate teams.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing data analysis systems, such as SAP, Maximo, Manufacturing Analytics, or MQIS, and demonstrated success using them for decision-making and results.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; work visa sponsorship is not available.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a technical, science, or engineering field.
- At least 2 years of related experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead food and human safety through Safety 2.0 leadership principles and standards.
- Cultivate a human safety culture by building capability to proactively discuss, identify, and control risk.
- Serve as Control of Hazardous Energy (CoHE) Platform Owner, ensuring safe system designs, managing procedure changes, partnering with the site owner on reviews, coaching best practices, and reinforcing operational accountability.
- Cultivate a food safety culture committed to producing safe food in compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.
- Troubleshoot, problem solve, and facilitate on-the-floor activities to build team members’ confidence and capability in theory of operation and Operational Foundational Systems, including CIL, CL, and DH.
- Communicate and engage effectively with teams on the manufacturing floor.
- Build skills in developing Loss Trees and glidepaths for the line or system.
- Execute loss-elimination tasks and HMM initiatives to improve system and equipment reliability through continuous improvement and problem solving.
- Own operational foundation systems across the platform, including Clean-Inspect-Lubricate (CIL), Centerlines (CL), and Theory of Operation (TOO), to secure basic conditions and drive out losses.
- Provide start-up support to the platform team through Vertical Start-Up (VSU), supporting execution and improvements.
- Develop understanding of the manufacturing floor’s 4Ms—machine, materials, methods, and human factors—and how their inputs interact.
- Use performance metrics, financial information, data historians, and maintenance management systems to support decisions.
- Learn material balances and unit-operation capabilities to support optimal production rates, parameters, and formulas.
- Develop through learning and working with operators, technicians, maintenance staff, and peers, applying operational foundation systems.
- Provide backup support as needed to maintain business continuity and operational efficiency.
Benefits
- Health benefits
- Retirement and financial wellbeing programs
- Time-off programs
- Wellbeing support and perks
- May be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
