Project Engineer

J&J Snack Foods•La Vergne, TN

About The Position

J&J Snack Foods is hiring for a process engineering role based in La Vergne, Tennessee. The posting identifies the role as Project Engineer in its heading and describes the position summary as Process Engineering Lead. Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the role leads process design, product commercialization, and continuous improvement across bakery manufacturing operations. It applies expertise in dough systems, thermal processing, and high-speed production to scale new products and improve efficiency, yield, and quality. The role partners with cross-functional teams to translate product innovation into reliable manufacturing processes and leads capital projects from concept through startup. The position oversees the transition of bakery products from pilot to full-scale production, including mixing, proofing, forming, baking, cooling, slicing, and packaging. It establishes and documents process parameters, supports plant trials and product launches, and works with R&D and Quality on manufacturability, consistency, and food safety. It also develops process designs and equipment specifications for capital projects, oversees installation and commissioning, and drives operational improvements using root cause analysis, statistical tools, Lean, and Six Sigma. The role also supports bakery utilities and thermal systems, preventive maintenance practices, and PLC-based process controls. Domestic travel is required, with an expected commitment of approximately 30%, depending on business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Food, or a related Engineering field.
Five or more years of progressive experience in commercial bakery or thermal food manufacturing.
Lean or Six Sigma certification.
Strong knowledge of dough rheology, fermentation, baking science, and moisture control.
Experience with high-speed automated production lines and packaging systems.
Proven experience leading capital projects and collaborating cross-functionally.
Solid understanding of GMPs, HACCP, sanitary design, and food safety standards.
Experience with PLC systems and manufacturing automation.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strong business acumen and ability to connect process improvements to cost, yield, and product quality outcomes.
Ability to optimize processes, improve yield, and ensure product quality and consistency.
Experience launching new products and translating formulations into scalable production.
Knowledge of capital project execution, including process design, equipment selection, and line startups.
Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and data-driven process improvement.
Ability to influence plant leadership and drive sustainable operational change.
Ability to travel domestically approximately 30%, depending on business needs.

Nice To Haves

Allen Bradley PLC experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the transition of bakery products from pilot to full-scale production across mixing, proofing, forming, baking, cooling, slicing, and packaging operations.
Collaborate with R&D and Quality to optimize formulations for manufacturability, consistency, and food safety.
Establish, validate, and document critical process parameters, including mix times, hydration levels, fermentation profiles, oven curves, and moisture targets.
Drive and support plant trials and launches of new products and line extensions.
Lead process design for bakery capital projects, including PFDs, P&IDs, line layouts, equipment specifications, and cost estimates.
Specify and implement bakery equipment, including mixers, dividers, proofers, tunnel ovens, conveyors, cooling systems, and packaging lines.
Oversee installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of new production lines and system upgrades.
Collaborate with contractors and vendors to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.
Drive improvements in yield, scrap reduction, downtime, and throughput.
Lead root cause analysis of bakery process and equipment issues, including crumb structure, moisture variation, bake profile inconsistencies, and equipment reliability.
Apply statistical tools such as DOE and SPC to improve process capability and consistency.
Champion Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across production lines.
Provide engineering support for bakery utilities, including steam systems, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, chilled water, and electrical infrastructure.
Support optimization of thermal systems, including oven performance, heat transfer efficiency, and energy utilization.
Contribute to preventive maintenance practices and process control systems, including PLC-based automation.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the VP of Engineering.