Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer supports plant performance improvement through process optimization, automation initiatives, reliability improvement, manufacturing analytics, and continuous improvement activities. This role partners with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, EHS, and plant leadership to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This role applies Lean manufacturing principles, industrial engineering methods, structured problem solving, and manufacturing technology to reduce losses and improve operational performance. The position serves as a key contributor to advanced manufacturing initiatives including automation, manufacturing systems, data collection, reporting, and operational excellence programs.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $98,000 and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a consistent presence on the manufacturing floor to identify opportunities for safety, quality, reliability, and productivity improvements.
• Analyze OEE, downtime, quality, waste, labor, capacity, and reliability data to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Facilitate root cause investigations using A3, PDCA, 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, and other analytical tools.
• Support automation, controls, digitalization, and manufacturing technology projects from concept through implementation.
• Assist in developing business cases, ROI analyses, project charters, and implementation plans for operational improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and IT/OT teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Support deployment and utilization of manufacturing systems including SCADA, MES, CMMS, Power BI, and industrial data platforms.
• Use process mapping and value stream analysis to improve material flow, labor utilization, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in FAT, SAT, commissioning, startup, validation, and operational handoff activities when supporting capital projects.
• Support TPM and reliability initiatives aimed at reducing equipment failures and improving asset performance.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and performance metrics that support data-driven decision making.
• Maintain process documentation, standard work, and project records.
• Coach and support frontline teams in the application of Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Support advanced manufacturing initiatives involving automation, robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing technologies as applicable.
• Establish project baselines, performance targets, and benefit-verification methods to ensure implemented improvements deliver measurable results.
• Lead assigned manufacturing improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Two or more years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, reliability, process improvement, operations excellence, or a related industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing manufacturing losses and implementing process, equipment, automation, reliability, or standard-work improvements.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, EHS, or IT/OT teams.
• Experience leading or supporting projects from problem definition through implementation, performance verification, and operational handoff.

Preferred

• Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or another high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Experience analyzing manufacturing data including OEE, downtime, throughput, reliability, quality, waste, or labor performance metrics.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or comparable structured problem-solving experience.
• Experience with Power BI, SCADA, MES, CMMS, SAP, AVEVA, or similar manufacturing systems.
• Relevant co-op or internship experience may be considered as part of the experience requirement.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.

Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including: 24/7 online physician consultations, virtual mental health resources, life coaching, engaging employee community groups, cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements, library of on-demand fitness videos.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.

Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.

Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.

Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.

Building a Healthy Society: To date, our co-Founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across California's Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. In 2025, Wonderful ranked as #1 in PEOPLE's "100 Companies That Care" list and was named one of Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more about our corporate social responsibility efforts, visit csr.wonderful.com.

Giving Back to the Community: Make a difference with Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.