Process Engineer

The Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing improvements to food processing and packaging equipment across all JBSS facilities. This role focuses on enhancing equipment performance, reliability, production efficiency, and product quality. The Process Engineer manages capital and expense projects, establishes project budgets and timelines, oversees equipment installations and startups, and serves as the subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing equipment and systems. Functions of the Position: Designs, modifies, and improves production equipment and systems to enhance safety, efficiency, reliability, and product quality. Evaluates processing and packaging equipment to identify opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement. Provides technical expertise, training, and support to Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to improve manufacturing performance. Partners with the R&D team to support new product development activities and production trials. Manages equipment purchases, vendor relationships, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), installations, and startup activities to ensure equipment meets manufacturing requirements. Leads capital and expense projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and execution. Supports Maintenance and Fabrication teams with equipment upgrades, retrofits, and process improvement initiatives. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that improve productivity, product quality, and operational efficiency. Education, Experience, and Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or related field preferred. Five or more years’ experience in engineering and manufacturing. Knowledge and experience in the food or nutritional industry and knowledge of basic food science highly preferred. Hands on Experience with Continuous Improvement implementation. Project Management Experience. Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Solid Works. Industrial performance experience preferred. Skills and Competencies: Understanding of Bulk Dry and Liquid Materials Handling and Processing. Understanding of Thermodynamics and metal fabrication methodologies. Demonstrate highly developed problem-solving skills. Good understanding of how factories operate - equipment, automation, maintenance, production strategies and quality control processes and measures. Ability to flush through data for fact base approach. Basic understanding of Ladder Logic used in PLC Programming, preferred. Ability to interact and communicate effectively across functions and management levels. Ability to operate office equipment. Ability to supervise projects and personnel. Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and Outlook skills. Ability to be on foot four hours a day and walk large facilities. Manual dexterity and ability to lift up to 30 pounds. The starting salary range for this position is $114,569-$157,532. The base salary offered will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, experience, credentials, education, certifications, skill level required for the position, the scope of the position, and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for performance-based incentives subject to the terms of the underlying plan. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to support the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes health benefits, professional growth support, generous paid time off benefits to support work/life balance, retirement benefits and other programs to support financial wellness. A full listing of our extensive benefits package can be found on our Company website, located here: Careers | John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. JBSS is an