Process Engineer

McCormick & Company • Hunt Valley, MD

29d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Continuous Improvement (CI) Department Manager, the Process Engineer role leverages JTE methodologies, statistical and digital tools, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance yield, process reliability, safety, and quality in a manufacturing and/or distribution environment. By reducing variation in operating methods, the Process Engineer improves consistency, reliability, and repeatability across processing, packaging, maintenance, and engineering departments. Additionally, the Process Engineer ensures use of formal change processes to achieve sustainable improvements and supports success of the Journey to Excellence (JTE) program. This developmental role provides training in TPM and Foundations (HPO, Leadership, Visual Factory), preparing individuals for career advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial) or a related discipline
• Production and/or engineering experience in a manufacturing plant or distribution center (may be a new/recent graduate with relevant co-op/internship experience).
• A strong grasp of core engineering principles, including physics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and process design.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Desire to build strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others, mentor, and coach teams while fostering technical skills development.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to present ideas effectively across functions and without formal authority.
• Proven ability to collaborate in team-based environments while working independently as a self-starter in high-pressure, sensitive situations.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational, grammatical, and teamwork abilities, demonstrating professional maturity and sound judgment.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and days as needed to meet business demands.
• Understanding of how to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor and improve process performance.
• Strong analytical skills and mathematical capability.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Planner, PowerPoint, Word).

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of relevant production or engineering experience working in a manufacturing plant or distribution center, with knowledge of manufacturing operations, packaging/processing equipment, and distribution systems.
• Experience leading or participating in process improvement or continuous improvement teams.
• Working knowledge of TPM (preferred), Six Sigma, and/or Lean tools/techniques.
• Proven ability to develop and write procedures (e.g., SOPs) and training materials in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Experience utilizing formal troubleshooting methods to improve manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Experience driving process reliability improvements within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Experience developing capital project justifications, cost estimates, and project pitches.
• Familiarity with the food manufacturing industry, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Proven ability to lead and coach teams to solve problems, achieve specific goals, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and multitasking skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with a desire to grow into management or supervisory roles.
• Strong supply chain and financial acumen.
• Experience with SAP, Power BI, Adobe Acrobat Writer, CAD systems, PLC, and/or Shop Floor integration.

Responsibilities

• Participate on one or more JTE Pillars and effectively utilize TPM methodologies with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Critically analyze processes and systems to identify gaps, support site loss analysis, build business cases, and recommend capital or TPM-based improvements to enhance operational performance.
• Utilize statistical tools and digitalization platforms like Power BI to drive process automation, reduce waste, and increase data visibility.
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot complex problems while driving the standardization of processes, metrics, and best practices across lines and departments, identifying and redeploying opportunities to replicate successful project outcomes.
• Conduct risk assessments and support safety and quality initiatives to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on select JTE systems, collaborating with leadership to analyze skill gaps, creating targeted training plans using the Training and Development standards and methods, and coaching cross-functional teams on performance improvement methodologies.
• Partner with operations to assist in development, maintenance, and improvement training materials such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Aids, One Point Lessons (OPLs), and standard documentation such as Troubleshooting Guides (TSGs), Changeover Procedures, Centerlines, Cleaning, Inspection & Lubrication standards (CILs), Promapp processes, Startup/Shutdown procedures, and job breakdowns to ensure consistency, accessibility, and alignment with operational needs.
• Support vertical startup of new equipment or processes by partnering with engineering team/vendors/contractors, site SMEs, and other cross-functional partners to ensure establishment and proper implementation of documentation, standards, and visual factory.
• Lead efforts to integrate strategic capital into operations by creating training materials, supporting training activities, and utilizing Change Management to sustain improvement projects.
• Coach and develop Technicians and Continuous Improvement teams to enhance their skills, ensuring uniformity across shifts and departments and addressing procedural changes and knowledge gaps.
• Lead JTE pillar activities, including site training and capability building in areas of system ownership to enhance team performance and operational excellence.
• Lead or participate in daily, weekly, and monthly meetings to support issue resolution and performance tracking.
• Manage the implementation of new equipment, processes, and industrialization of new products/materials, ensuring seamless integration into operations.
• Lead small teams to improve site performance in key areas such as yield, process reliability, safety, and quality, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Effectively develop and present project updates, plans, and proposals to stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Provide support and perform additional duties as required to meet business needs.
• Support reconciliation of data in SAP, downtime tracking systems, and other data sources with focus on identifying root causes for data inaccuracies and aiding in gap closure of those issues.
• End to end project management, commissioning, and installation for small Capital Projects (<$1million)

Benefits

• 401k
• health insurance
• paid time off
• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities
• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices
• Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
• Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
• Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level