Continuous Improvement Engineer

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Location: Terre Haute, IN

Job Type: Full-Time

Industry: Food Manufacturing

Salary: $85,000 – $110,000

Nter Talent is working exclusively with a leading food manufacturing organization to appoint an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support equipment reliability, productivity, process improvement and operational performance.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on increasing equipment productivity and availability while supporting Operations in consistently producing high-quality products within required cycle times. The Manufacturing Engineer will improve existing equipment, designs and processes to increase throughput, reduce operating costs and improve quality, while also providing technical support, training and development to the Maintenance team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigate, troubleshoot and develop solutions for problems involving operational hardware, software, equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Install, monitor, test and service production equipment and systems.
• Develop technical and engineering documentation, including preventive maintenance procedures, technical manuals, troubleshooting guides, operating procedures, drawing updates and process improvements.
• Serve as the primary onsite engineering contact for equipment and system installation, testing, fabrication and related activities.
• Ensure machine documentation, maintenance plans and system specifications meet established SQF requirements.
• Provide technical recommendations and evaluations for spare parts and components required for existing equipment and successor systems.
• Act as a second-tier technical support resource for Maintenance Technicians, serving as a key point of contact for food processing equipment issues and emergency breakdowns.
• Maintain production equipment to ensure food processing systems consistently produce quality products within required cycle times.
• Support new equipment installation, commissioning and acceptance activities.
• Participate in supplier training for new and existing equipment and systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and reducing inefficiencies within the Engineering & Maintenance department.
• Support the development and improvement of maintenance processes, equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Support training for Maintenance Technicians, Operators and Team Leaders on equipment operation, troubleshooting and other identified technical requirements.
• Maintain appropriate training records and documentation.
• Record equipment repairs, adjustments and maintenance activities within the company’s repair tracking software.
• Communicate daily equipment issues, special requirements and maintenance needs to the Maintenance Manager.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with company safety policies and applicable regulations.
• Maintain compliance with established production processes and SQF requirements.
• Maintain appropriate housekeeping during and upon completion of all tasks.
• Support the Maintenance Manager with engineering, equipment and operational matters as required.
• Perform other position-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience working effectively within a team environment preferred.
• Experience within food manufacturing or a similar production environment preferred.
• Experience working with steam cooking systems and sterilization equipment, including retorts or autoclaves, highly desirable.
• Knowledge of robotics, PLCs and other electromechanical systems is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across mechanical, electrical, controls, hardware and software systems.
• Ability to read, understand and develop technical documentation, procedures and engineering information.
• Strong understanding of equipment reliability, preventive maintenance and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and integrated software applications.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, suppliers and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple technical issues and respond effectively to equipment breakdowns and operational needs.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, SQF compliance and continuous improvement.

WHY JOIN?

• Take ownership of manufacturing engineering and equipment performance within an established food manufacturing operation.
• Work directly with Engineering, Maintenance and Operations to improve productivity, reliability and throughput.
• Play a hands-on role in equipment installation, troubleshooting, process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Opportunity to work with advanced food processing, sterilization, automation and electromechanical systems.
• Competitive salary of $85,000–$110,000 annually.

Nter Talent is managing this search exclusively and is looking to speak with Manufacturing Engineers who bring strong food manufacturing, equipment reliability, automation, PLC, sterilization or process engineering experience.