Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Remote or Hybrid)

At CJ Schwans we dont just make food we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria to families enjoying pie during the holidays our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron bibigo Tonys Big Daddys Freschetta Pagoda Edwards and Mrs. Smiths . Enjoyed in homes schools restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat our products reflect a commitment to quality innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

As a Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer you will provide technical leadership to improve safety quality waste reduction and operational efficiency across the manufacturing network. Leveraging deep engineering expertise this role develops manufacturing capability and drives breakthrough performance through collaboration with teams across the enterprise. Partnering closely with Manufacturing R&D Continuous Improvement and Capital Engineering the Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer delivers innovative solutions to complex business challenges. The position may be based at our corporate headquarters in Hopkins Minnesota or performed remotely with up to 50% travel is system deployment-based to our factory locations.

What You Will Do:

Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processing and packaging systems to enhance safety quality efficiency and cost performance.
Develop and deploy enterprise-wide manufacturing strategies standards and best practices to maximize operational performance and reduce variation.
Lead high-impact cost savings material optimization and waste reduction initiatives across the manufacturing network.
Partner with Manufacturing R&D and Capital Engineering to develop process and equipment standards and ensure successful implementation of new products technologies and capital projects.
Leverage advanced analytics and technical expertise to identify losses solve complex problems and drive sustainable performance improvements.
Provide technical leadership and governance for manufacturing systems ensuring standardization sustainment and continuous improvement.
Build organizational capability through coaching training and knowledge sharing while maintaining technical documentation and best-practice resources.
Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for assigned technologies and represent the organization in industry forums to benchmark and advance manufacturing excellence.

What We Look For:

8 years of experience
Bachelor of Science Degree; Mechanical Chemical or Electrical Engineering preferred
Experience in Food Manufacturing or CPG USDA FDA OSHA and EPA regulations.
Leadership of structured problem-solving approaches (ex: Lean Six-Sigma or TPM).
Development and use of statistical models and data analytics.

What We Offer:
The base salary range for this position is $107000 to $178000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience skills education certifications and location and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being including comprehensive health benefits time off programs and retirement and financial offerings

CJ Schwans and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race color religion gender age disability veteran status national origin or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application please email

Required Experience:

Staff IC