National food manufacturer in the Troy, AL area is seeking a Regional Process Engineer to join their team. This person will play a critical role in optimizing manufacturing processes across 5 North American facilities. This position requires extensive travel and a strong focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring consistent product quality. 75% travel is the expectation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process Optimization:
• Conduct thorough process assessments and identify areas for improvement in efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects, including but not limited to:
• Lean Manufacturing initiatives
• Six Sigma methodologies
• Root Cause Analysis
• Process mapping and flow charting
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues across multiple facilities, providing technical expertise and guidance.
• Technical Support:
• Provide technical support to production teams, including equipment troubleshooting, process parameter adjustments, and operator training.
• Assist in the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and processes.
• Maintain accurate process documentation and records.
• Quality Assurance:
• Collaborate with Quality Control teams to ensure product quality and compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP).
• Investigate and resolve quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Project Management:
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budgets.
• Effectively communicate project progress and results to stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies in food manufacturing.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in all aspects of manufacturing operations.
• Travel:
• Travel extensively within the designated region, spending approximately 75% of time traveling to and working at different production facilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in food manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on process engineering.
• Proven experience in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Experience with food safety regulations and quality systems (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to travel extensively within the designated region.