Senior Engineer, Projects and Improvements

The J.M. Smucker Co.•New Orleans, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Engineer, Projects and Improvements role is a 100% on-site position located in New Orleans, LA, reporting to the Plant Engineer. The typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm, with flexibility required for off-shift work, including nights, weekends, and/or holidays, and the ability to travel up to 25%. This role is responsible for leading and executing engineering projects from concept through start-up, which includes developing project charters, funding requests, and technical deliverables. The Senior Engineer will also develop and implement engineering designs for coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging machinery to enhance efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce costs. Key responsibilities involve conducting root cause investigations for system failures (safety, mechanical, processing, quality) and driving corrective actions. Collaboration with vendors for equipment specifications, testing, commissioning, and qualification activities is essential. The role also requires building consensus and leading project teams by communicating project specifics and business needs with Operations, Quality, and Safety departments. Furthermore, the Senior Engineer is expected to develop themselves and others through education, hands-on practice, and mentoring, while identifying and addressing capability gaps within the team. Maintaining site adherence to food safety and product quality standards for project delivery, equipment design, and construction is also a critical aspect of the position. The company fosters a culture rooted in its Basic Beliefs, aiming to support employees' physical, emotional, and financial needs through a competitive Total Rewards program. It is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, growth, and collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Biomedical, or Packaging Engineering)
2 years of engineering experience
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make effective decisions
Able to self-direct and take action independently within company boundaries

Nice To Haves

Experience coaching and growing capability in other engineers and technicians
Packaging experience
Experience implementing change or new technology for a production team
Experience with construction, food manufacturing or pharmaceuticals

Responsibilities

Lead and execute engineering projects from concept through start-up, including developing project charters, funding requests, and technical deliverables.
Develop and implement engineering designs for coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging machinery to improve efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce costs.
Conduct root cause investigations for system failures (including safety, mechanical, processing, quality); drive team to complete corrective actions.
Collaborate with vendors to develop equipment specifications, perform equipment testing, and lead commissioning and qualification activities.
Build consensus and lead project teams by communicating project specifics and business needs with Operations, Quality, and Safety.
Develop self and others by education, hands-on practice, and mentoring; identify and address capability gaps within the team.
Maintain site adherence to food safety and product quality standards for project delivery, equipment design, and project construction.