Sr. Mechanical Engineer- Packaging Equipment

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®.  ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

The primary responsibility of the Senior Packaging Engineer is to improve the efficiency, safety, and quality of the Packaging equipment in the Production Department.  The Senior Packaging Engineer manages projects in the packaging department.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as an effective team member in assessing and improving current packaging operations, implementing and introducing new technologies, and providing recommendations for retrofits and new equipment
• Work with Packaging operations and suppliers to troubleshoot packaging issues, maintain packaging quality, and optimize packing line efficiencies
• Develop and improve procedures and instructions to minimize packing line setup and changeover time/cost.
• Demonstrate strong troubleshooting skills through the use of continuous improvement techniques
• Show thorough understanding of the interactions between machine, materials, methods, environment, and people to provide robust operating systems
• Develop/maintain material balances and unit operation capability information to ensure optimal production rates, parameters, and formula
• Provide key technical support in capital projects and new product and packaging material testing/start-ups
• Minimize packaging material scrap, product scrap and product giveaway
• Ensures safety aspects of the equipment meets specifications and requirements to assure employees’ safe working conditions
• Conduct capacity studies, enhance system reliability, and identify/implement productivity improvements including new technologies
• Serve as a technical liaison for all levels of the company including production/maintenance employees, plant technical and management resources, corporate engineering and R&D organizations
• Develop/deliver technical training for various levels of the organization and serve as a resource in cross-functional platform/technology/product teams
• Develop project budgets, schedules, and prepare project justification and develop capital requests as needed, including monthly forecast project spending plan
• Provide packaging operations with technical equipment expertise, standard procedures for operation, change-over and maintenance of packaging equipment, selection of new packaging equipment, equipment improvement, upgrades and documentation, operator and maintenance training and support

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in Packaging improvement projects and working with packaging lines design and install
• Previous job experience in high-speed packaging
• Previous food industry experience preferred
• GMP Practices, Sanitary Design, and OSHA regulations knowledge is highly preferred 
• A demonstrated ability to select and apply sound engineering practices and principles to the design and development of high volume consumer products packaging
• Strong background and proven results in Leading Continuous Improvement efforts through the application of Lean Manufacturing and 6 Sigma Activities, TPM or WCM 

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a concentration in Packaging Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical or related engineering field from an accredited university

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Recognized technical abilities and practical experience with strong capabilities in the following areas:
  • Theory/functionality of manufacturing systems and unit operations;
  • Continuous improvement;
  • Food science/chemistry or packaging science;
  • Statistics and analytical methods;
  • Process measurement and control;
  • Mechanical aptitude;
  • Troubleshooting;
  • Ability to understand and apply general engineering principles
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects with overlapping tasks and work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems, develops solutions, and quickly implements their strategy
• Strong organization skills, attention to detail and follow through to resolve any outstanding issues
• Proficient skills specifically in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are required
• Fundamental understanding of food standards, safety and sanitary regulations and good manufacturing practices
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues; connects data points through analysis to arrive at a logical conclusion.
• Business & Financial Acumen – Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the financial, accounting, marketing and operational functions of our organization; interpreting and applying understanding of key financial indicators to make better corporate decisions.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner by tailoring one's message to fit the interests and needs of the audience.
• Customer Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external customer(s) in mind at all times.  Strives to proactively address customer concerns and needs.  Assists business partners and customers to achieve their work goals via application of their own skills and knowledge; strives to provide consistent customer satisfaction.
• Establishes Trust – Gaining the confidence and faith of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, integrious and vulnerable.
• Problem-Solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability, identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – Maintaining effectiveness in varying environments and with different tasks, responsibilities and people.
• Continuous Improvement – Establishes methods and utilizes specialized techniques to monitor and improve performance of systems and processes.
• Self-Development – Seeks feedback on one’s strengths and weaknesses and initiates activities to increase or enhance their knowledge, skills, and proficiency in order to perform more effectively or enhance their career.
• Change Management – Achieves success through change: identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation, removes barriers and resistance, and enables behaviors that support desired outcomes.
• Develops Others – Plans for the growth of others, diligently addressing performance issues and conflicts, both at the individual and organizational level with the purpose of achieving results through the activities of other people.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands company's short and long-term priorities and aligns department priorities and behavior around achievement of those objectives.

LOCATION OF ROLE

• Crockett, CA

SALARY RANGE

$99,000-$184,000

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.