Duties and Responsibilities:

Evaluate pasta manufacturing processes and implement improvements to enhance production efficiency, product quality, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety.

Use data from production lines, schedules, and methods to forecast future needs and drive continuous improvement.

Analyze and optimize workflows, equipment layout, and space utilization to improve operational efficiency.

Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, environmental, and occupational regulations.

Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.

Monitor and analyze environmental controls on systems using tools and sensors; apply real time data to make production adjustments.

Develop and maintain optimized operating procedures.

Collaborate with Maintenance on preventative and predictive maintenance programs; provide technical expertise during maintenance activities.

Design and implement technical training programs for production staff.

Partner with Engineering, Sales, and Vendors to test and optimize recipes for efficiency in raw material, energy, and labor usage.

Support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, food safety, quality, productivity, and sanitation. Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process-related issues.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

7+ years of experience in a plant or process engineering role within a food manufacturing environment, preferably pasta or dry goods.

Bachelors degree in manufacturing engineering, food science, or a related field is a plus.

Lean manufacturing certification or experience is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

Familiarity with food-grade equipment selection, installation, and maintenance.

Self-motivated with a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-output environment.

Proven ability to lead projects from concept through implementation.

Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build trust across departments.

Excellent organizational and prioritization skills aligned with plant goals.

Strong analytical skills for interpreting production data and presenting actionable insights.

Proficient in writing technical documentation, SOPs, and reports.

Effective communicator with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

Experience with AutoCAD or similar design software for layout planning.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Bachelors degree in engineering or related field.

Experience with root cause analysis and troubleshooting production issues.

Familiarity with advanced Microsoft Excel functions (e.g., PivotTables, VLOOKUP, Macros) and Microsoft Access.

Experience designing and deploying training programs for frontline production roles.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Previous experience in a pasta manufacturing environment is a strong plus. Physical Requirements: Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:

Navigate and perform tasks in a food manufacturing environment, including walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.

Work in environments that may be hot, humid, dusty, or noisy.

Lift up to 50 pounds.

Perform repetitive hand movements for extended periods.

Communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken.

Safely ascend and descend ladders.

Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).